HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1774-5
29. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the progress being made towards international agreement on the cessation or reduction of the testing of nuclear weapons.

Mr. Nutting

As my right hon. and learned Friend said in reply to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 16th April, this question is being discussed in the United Nations Disarmament Sub-Committee as part of a comprehensive disarmament plan. With regard to the progress of the work of the Sub-Committee, I have nothing at present to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 18th April.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the Minister not agree that this question has some sense of urgency about it, and that it can be separated from the rest of the discussions in the Disarmament Sub-Committee? Is he further aware that there is an increasing volume of opinion throughout the world, including that of Adlai Stevenson in America, on this subject? Finally, would he confirm the statement made by the Minister of Supply in Australia that the United Kingdom has not asked permission for the explosion of a hydrogen bomb in Australia?

Mr. Nutting

A United Kingdom explosion is another question and it does not arise out of this one. As to the connection between this matter and a disarmament agreement, I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. It cannot be separated from a general disarmament agreement for the reason that it cannot be separated from the question of control.