HC Deb 11 April 1956 vol 551 cc204-5
41. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions he gave to the United Kingdom representative on the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations organisation concerning Her Majesty's Government's attitude to the petition from the Marshall Islands against further hydrogen bomb tests in the Pacific.

Mr. Nutting

The United Kingdom representative on the Trusteeship Council voted in favour of a resolution which noted the petition and made recommendations for safety measures, and for claims and compensation. Copies of the Report of the Petitions Committee and of this resolution have been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Swingler

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask if he does not think that we as islanders should have the utmost sympathy with the Marshall Islanders in their desire to prevent further pollution of the atmosphere and menace to peaceful fishermen in that area? Would not this have been a wonderful opportunity for expressing the desire of millions of people everywhere that an all round stoppage of these tests should be organised?

Mr. Nutting

As the hon. Gentleman knows, that is amongst the many features of the disarmament agreement which I am personally trying to achieve at this time at Lancaster House with the Russians. As to the question of the Marshall Islands, I think he can rest assured that the recommendations for safety measures as well as for claims for compensation which have been made will be carried out.