HC Deb 04 December 1957 vol 579 c374
33. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will use the influence of Her Majesty's Government in all the international organisations of which it is a member to counteract the growing emphasis on the nuclear arms race as a reply to the Soviet artificial satellites, and instead initiate renewed efforts to limit and reduce armaments.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Her Majesty's Government have joined in making balanced proposals for partial disarmament designed to halt the arms race, including a proposal which would prevent the production of fissile material for weapons purposes. We have asked for and received the overwhelming support of the members of the United Nations for these proposals, and we still consider they offer a sound basis for further negotiation.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Foreign Secretary aware of the deep longing among the ordinary people for an ending of the nuclear arms race, which can only have the same result as all previous arms races? Could not one great nation give a lead to the world by stepping out of this race and devoting its scientific knowledge to human welfare instead?

Mr. Lloyd

I understand the feeling of the hon. Gentleman and I know that other people share it. My own view is that the better approach, which is more likely to be effective, is that which I have indicated by our partial disarmament plan.

Captain Pilkington

Does not this Question, like many other Questions from the Opposition side of the House, presume that the Soviet Government want an end of the cold war and of the present state of tension, whereas all indications are to the contrary?