§ Mr. Gaitskell (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement about the explosion of a nuclear device which took place in the Central Pacific on 15th May.
§ The Prime MinisterThe first explosion of a nuclear device in the present series took place yesterday in the Central Pacific at a high altitude. First indications are that the operation proceeded as planned. Scientific records are being collected for accurate evaluation. When these have been received I will then consider what further information I can give to the House.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan the Prime Minister say when these reports will be received and, therefore, when we may have a further statement? Has he seen Press reports that in Japan the effects of the explosion were said to be as great as the Bikini explosion and more prolonged?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I have nothing to add to what I have said, except just this: that the first indications are that the local fall-out was 576 almost negligible and that the explosion was at a very high altitude. But for any further details, as I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree, I must wait until the scientific reports are available.
§ Mr. PagetDoes the Prime Minister feel that when, like the Russians, we have had our tests, we shall, again like the Russians, be in a position to assume the moral leadership of the world and propose that they be the last tests?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but I am bound to say that I think that in discussing the matter of nuclear disarmament or the control of tests in the Disarmament Sub-Committee we shall now be in a very much better bargaining position.
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he can tell the House what was the magnitude of this explosion. Was it of the megaton order or of the kiloton?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I would rather wait until I can make a further statement in detail.
§ Mr. StracheyNow that the ability of this country to detonate a hydrogen bomb has been proved, can the Prime Minister tell us what remaining obstacle there is to us agreeing wholeheartedly with the German or any other Government which wishes to suspend further tests?
§ The Prime MinisterWe shall, of course, continue the series of tests.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Mr. Gaitskell, business.
§ Mr. MasonOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Complaints have been made about Privy Councillors taking up time on these matters and now we have had three speakers from the Front Bench and no back-bench Member.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. and learned Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget) is still a back-bench Member.