HC Deb 11 July 1955 vol 543 cc1575-7
52. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the proposal of the United States Government that the United Nations should assemble and collate world scientific information on effects of radiation is to be discussed, and by what organ of the United Nations; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now indicate their support of such proposal.

Mr. Turton

I would refer to the reply given on the 6th July by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Hastings). It is too early to say what procedure the United Nations would adopt.

Mr. Henderson

That reply does not indicate that Her Majesty's Government will support this proposal of the United States Government. Why do the Government hesitate to take this line on this vital proposal? Has the hon. Gentleman seen the statement issued over the names of some of the leading scientists in this and other countries, indicating the gravity of the problem?

Mr. Turton

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman will refer to the reply to which I have referred him, he will see that it makes it quite clear that Her Majesty's Government welcome the initiative contained in Mr. Lodge's proposal, but that proposal has not as yet been formalised into a proposal before the United Nations, and Her Majesty's Government cannot give any definite support to something which has not yet been formalised. With regard to the latter part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend has noted the statement made by the seven scientists last Saturday. I would only say upon that that Her Majesty's Government are well aware of the terrible consequences of nuclear warfare and have, in a series of statements and speeches, made sure that the public of this country understand this. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case behind the Iron Curtain.

Mr. Henderson

Is not this extremely unsatisfactory? Why are not the Government prepared to go as far as the United States Government and state that they are in favour of this inquiry in principle? Why do they hesitate to take that stand?

Mr. Turton

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman will refer to the reply to which I have already referred him, he will see that it has been stated that Her Majesty's Government welcome the initiative and will take her full part in the discussion. That is going very far in this matter.

Mr. Henderson

Do the Government support the proposal for this international inquiry under the auspices of the United Nations? That is a simple question.

Mr. Turton

As I have already told the right hon. and learned Gentleman, there has not been any such formal proposal.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the unsatisfactory attitude of the Government upon a very important matter, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it at a convenient opportunity.