§ 49. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister if he will give an assurance that when all arrangements have been completed to test the hydrogen bomb he will, unlike the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, give a general warning to the world that a hydrogen bomb test is to take place.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
As he has previously indicated, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to say anything further on this topic. He cannot accept the suggestion in the hon. Member's Question that it is the practice of the United States of America not to give advance notice of nuclear weapon tests.
§ Mr. MasonUnlike America and Russia, should not it he the duty of this nation to warn other nations of the world that a hydrogen bomb is to be detonated, so that our people can be assured that there will be no repetition of the Japanese fishermen incident, and also that it will not cause any undue anxiety to other countries when radio-activity is increased overseas?
§ Mr. ButlerMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did say on 13th June:
Meanwhile, both the United States and the United Kingdom do give notice of any forthcoming tests."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th June, 1955; Vol. 542, c. 255.]