§ 52. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister to what extent it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to test only radioactively clean bombs during the next test series at Christmas Island.
§ 51. Mr. Beswickasked the Prime Minister what is the purpose of the new series of nuclear tests at Christmas Island; how many detonations will take place; what is the approximate period over which the tests will take place; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe purpose of this single test carried out in the Pacific was to make further progress in the development of megaton weapons following the initial tests earlier this year. There will be no further tests in the immediate future. It would not be in the public interest for me to give further details. I can, however, repeat the assurance already given that the additional radioactive fall-out resulting from the test will, as on the last occasion, be negligible.
§ Mr. MasonThere is bound to be a poisoning of the atmosphere following this test. In view of the fact that we have now had a series of atomic and hydrogen bomb tests of various sorts, is it now necessary to continue?
§ The Prime MinisterI said in my reply that there will be no further tests in the immediate future.
§ Dr. SummerskillCan the Prime Minister say whether the appropriate committee of the Medical Research Council has agreed that the fall-out of these bombs is harmless?
§ The Prime MinisterAll the scientific knowledge that I have been given confirms that with regard to both the last occasion and this one the radioactive fallout will be negligible.