HC Deb 25 June 1957 vol 572 cc32-3
49. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Prime Minister to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to restrict the possession of nuclear weapons to the Governments of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

Her Majesty's Government are fully aware of the dangers which might result from the widespread manufacture and possession of nuclear weapons, and this is an important factor in our efforts to secure a satisfactory disarmament agreement.

Mr. Henderson

Does not the Prime Minister agree that it is highly desirable that, apart altogether from general disarmament, the three Governments should agree to take steps not to supply any other country with any atomic or nuclear bombs?

The Prime Minister

That is, of course, another question because there are questions of the N.A.T.O. organisation and so forth. The right hon. and learned Gentleman knows the regulations under which at present the American Government supply weapons to organisations which are kept under American control, but the main question which I think the right hon. and learned Gentleman has in mind is the desirability of making progress with at least a partial disarmament agreement. As he knows, it is on that matter that the Sub-Committee is working and that the Powers are now trying to concentrate their efforts.