§ 46. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister what consideration Her Majesty's Government have given to the securing of an international agreement to ban the pollution of the atmosphere with strontium 90 and other lethal particles, following atom and hydrogen bomb tests.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to work for the abolition of nuclear tests within the framework of a comprehensive disarmament agreement. Meanwhile, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government to conduct nuclear tests only in such a manner as will keep world radiation from rising to more than a small fraction of the levels which might be hazardous. As the United States President and I stated in the communiqué on the Bermuda Conference, we look to the Russians to exercise a similar restraint. We are also exploring the possibilities of an agreement on the limitation of tests in the Disarmament Sub-Committee.
§ Mr. BellengerIs not the matter now very urgent, in view of the pollution of the atmosphere over China as a result of 25 the Russian test explosions? Will the right hon. Gentleman make immediate representations to Russia?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I think the proper place to have these discussions is in the Disarmament Sub-Cornmittee, where they are proceeding.
§ Captain PilkingtonCan my right hon. Friend say whether the scientists who advise him on these matters are in general agreement with each other?
§ Hon. Members: Answer.
§ The Prime MinisterCertainly. The advice which I receive from my scientist advisers is their considered and agreed advice.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe right hon. Gentleman has referred to the Disarmament conference. When does he think a conclusion will be reached at the conference?
§ The Prime MinisterI could not say that.
§ Mr. PagetHas the Prime Minister any information about whether, as a result of the Russian explosions, there are any ill-effects on the large population which has been moved into Siberia?
§ The Prime MinisterNot without notice, or without a personal visit.
§ Mr. BeswickThe Prime Minister talked about keeping these tests below a level which would present any hazard. Will the right hon. Gentleman say—hazard to whom? Is it not a fact that the tests which have already taken place have been hazardous, and that many children alive now and children yet to be born will suffer as a result of them?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I tried to explain in the debate, the total amount of either external radiation or even of the strontium pollution is not considered by my advisers to have yet reached anything which is of general danger. But we recognise that after a considerable period, if this went on indefinitely and in continued increasing amounts, the danger position might be reached. It was for that reason that the President and I agreed at Bermuda on the declaration which we made.
§ Mr. WoodburnDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it a little premature for 26 the Foreign Secretary to make use of Woman's Hour on the radio in order to give people assurances that there is no risk at all from these explosions?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary gave an admirable account, which was very important in order to put the matter in proper perspective.