HC Deb 06 May 1957 vol 569 cc634-5
50. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official warning the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics gave to Her Majesty's Government of their intention to explode hydrogen bombs prior to the recent tests.

Mr. Ian Harvey

None, Sir. Moreover, on no occasion has the Soviet Government given prior warning of its nuclear tests to the outside world. On the other hand, both the American Government and ourselves make a practice of announcing our tests beforehand and we have expressed the hope that the Soviet Government will agree to do likewise. Both Governments have also stated that they will accept advance registration of tests with the United Nations and their limited observation if the Soviet Government also agree.

Mr. Beswick

Would it not be very difficult for either the American or the British Government to explode these bombs without giving notice, in view of the fact that they are exploded over territories on the high seas which do not belong to the Governments.

Mr. Harvey

That is another issue.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

As the phrase is so frequently used by the Government, can the Joint Under-Secretary of State say what is meant by "limited international observation "?

Mr. Harvey

At the moment this matter is under discussion at the Disarmament Sub-Committee. [HON. MEMBERS: "Is it confidential?"] There is no objection to confidential discussions, if they can be kept confidential. We anticipate a statement being made in the near future.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the great public interest in this matter, can the hon. Gentleman tell us what kind of proposals we are putting forward for these limited arrangements?

Mr. Harvey

I have already said that they are being put before the Sub-Committee at the present time. A statement will be made in the near future.