HC Deb 04 July 1956 vol 555 cc1329-31
47. Mr. Warbey

asked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent research into the possible peaceful uses of energy derived from hydrogen fusion is impeded by delay in the explosion of a hydrogen bomb.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Research into the peaceful uses of energy derived from thermo-nuclear reactions is not dependent on the explosion of hydrogen bombs; but any such explosion could be expected to yield valuable scientific information.

Mr. Warbey

In view of the first part of the reply, will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Prime Minister to that very important information, and make it clear that there is now no real excuse for not stopping the explosion of the hydrogen bomb?

Mr. Butler

I think that the hon. Gentleman, who is usually very clear in his statements, is somewhat confused. There is a difference between testing a nuclear bomb and proceeding with the peaceful development of nuclear energy. The two are not necessarily related.

Mr. Stokes

As everybody is anxious about the whole position of further nuclear explosions, may we expect a statement from the Government on their future policy about these explosions in the very near future, and in any event before the debate on defence, which is expected quite shortly?

Mr. Butler

If the right hon. Gentleman will refer to HANSARD of 20th June, he will see that my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary answered the right hon. and learned Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson) on this subject. That is the latest news I can give him on the Government's policy in this regard. We realise the importance which hon. Members attach to it, and we shall certainly keep them informed of developments.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Prime Minister and, I think, the Foreign Secretary as well, have said that the British Government will be tabling proposals, regarding the control of hydrogen bomb tests, in the Disarmament Commission? The Disarmament Commission is meeting now. Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that this matter will be raised in the course of the next week?

Mr. Butler

I cannot at present add to the answers given by my right hon. Friend in this respect, but that is not to say that I underestimate the importance attached to this by the right hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends.

Mr. Stokes

If I put down a Question for an answer this day next week, may I expect an intelligible reply?

Mr. Butler

It depends how intelligible the right hon. Gentleman's Question is.