§ 46. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister if he will give an assurance that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to test only thermo-nuclear devices in the future which will not noticeably increase radiation in the atmosphere nor cause fall-out of strontium 90.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the relevant passage in the Bermuda communiqué, which still holds good.
§ Mr. MasonCan the Prime Minister say if it is true that atomic devices can now be exploded without noticeably increasing radiation in the atmosphere? Would not it be proved to be a first step towards a suspension agreement if the Prime Minister could assure this and other nations that we will not explode any more nuclear devices which wilt noticeably increase radiation in the atmosphere?
§ The Prime MinisterWe said at Bermuda that our intention was to continue nuclear tests only in such a manner that will keep world radiation from rising to more than a very small fraction of the levels that might be hazardous. I think I can say, without having the full scientific records, that what has taken place in our own three tests has been fully in conformity with this pledge.
§ Mr. GaitskellIs not the present series of tests now completed? Has the Prime Minister any intention of starting further tests before a real opportunity has been taken to reach agreement in this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would give notice of it.
§ Mr. NabarroIs not it a fact that the British H-bomb tests were relatively clean and that scientific information available to us suggests that future tests may be entirely clean?
§ 47. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister to what extent he has taken into consideration the resolutions sent to him by religious bodies and trade union organisations opposing the uncontrolled testing of thermo-nuclear weapons in coming to his decision to go ahead with the full series of tests at Christmas Island.
§ The Prime MinisterI have taken all relevant matters into consideration.
§ Mr. MasonThe tests having now concluded and the Prime Minister not having stated previously how many tests were to take place, it is questionable to what extent he has taken notice of that. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, now that the tests have concluded, what his reaction is to the recent Zorin proposals on tests?
§ The Prime MinisterThis Question deals with quite a different matter and concerns my reaction to religious bodies and trade union organisations. I would venture to point out to the hon. Gentleman that there are varying views, all of which I try to read and study with the respect that they command. I would call his special attention to the pastoral letter sent out recently by the Archbishop of York.