HC Deb 19 June 1956 vol 554 cc1231-2
45. Mr. Swingler

asked the Prime Minister if he will now propose to President Eisenhower, Marshal Bulganin, and M. Mollet that the Anglo-French proposals for the limitation and eventual abolition of hydrogen bomb tests should be immediately discussed by representatives of the great Powers.

The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)

As I have already informed the House, the Anglo-French proposals for the limitation and eventual abolition of nuclear weapons tests, which cover hydrogen bombs as well as other types of nuclear weapons, will no doubt be considered in the Disarmament Commission which is due to meet at the United Nations Headquarters early next month. As I said on 7th June, the Disarmament Commission seems to me to be the best place to discuss this business.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Prime Minister not aware that a special initiative to bring these tests under international control would be almost universally welcomed? Is not this a special matter, upon which international control might be swiftly established, thereby avoiding the colossal wastage and potential dangers of further tests? Will not the Prime Minister therefore treat this question as one requiring special initiative?

The Prime Minister

It is—and that is why we put forward our Anglo-French proposals. I agree with the hon. Member to that extent. On the other hand, the Commission which is to discuss this matter early next month is a very representative one, including all the main Powers concerned with these weapons, and I really think that we should give them a chance to do it. I doubt whether any special initiative would produce results.

Mr. Gaitskell

I am not in disagreement with the Prime Minister in regard to his proposal that this matter should be discussed by the Disarmament Commission, but his phrase that it "will no doubt be discussed" suggests that there is some doubt about the matter. Will he make plain that the British Government will propose that it should be discussed by the Disarmament Commission?

The Prime Minister

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for drawing my attention to that. I put in those words because it does not lie with us to tell the other members what to do. We are, in fact, proposing that it should be discussed.