§ 46. Mr. Warbeyasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the possibility of any country making test explosions of hydrogen bombs in the megaton range without their being detected.
§ The Prime MinisterIf I were to answer this Question I should have to give information which it would not be in the public interest to give. I am, therefore, not prepared to make a statement.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Prime Minister aware that last week he said that he would look into this matter, and he asked for a Question to be put down, but that now he gives no answer? Is he aware that public opinion is worried primarily only about the explosion of very big bombs with vast radio-active fall-outs? Is it not completely nonsense to suggest that such vast explosions could be made anywhere, without being detected? Will he stop looking for fresh excuses for doing nothing, and will he get on with the job?
§ The Prime MinisterI answered the hon. Gentleman perfectly politely last week by saying that I would make inquiry as to whether I could answer his Question, because I was doubtful whether it was in the public interest that I should. I have since taken advice, and in the public interest I should not answer it; and no provocation by the hon. Member will cause me to depart from that decision.