§ 18. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now accept in principle, subject to negotiation on details, the offer of the Soviet Government, made by Mr. V. A. Zorin in the United Nations Disarmament Sub-Committee on 14th June, 1957, to conclude an agreement banning nuclear tests and providing for the establishment of a United Nations Control Commission and the establishment of monitoring posts on the territories of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United States of America and in the Pacific area, in order to watch over the fulfilment of the obligation to cease tests.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply made to him in the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister yesterday and to what my right hon. Friend told the House on 1st April.
Her Majesty's Government do not consider that the question of suspending nuclear tests can be dealt with in isolation or in the manner the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDo I gather from the right hon. and learned Gentleman's reply that he clings to the principle of the packet deal? Is he not aware that there is an overwhelming weight of opinion in this country for putting an end to tests because of their biological consequences? Will he give one good reason for refusing to accept this proposal in principle?
§ Mr. LloydI certainly adhere to the view that it would be very much better to get a more comprehensive agreement. On the question of the suspension of tests, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said, this is a matter which we think can be usefully discussed at the summit meeting, which we hope will rapidly take place.
§ Mr. BevanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that we all agree that it would be desirable to get a more comprehensive agreement? In the absence of getting a comprehensive agreement, would not it be much better to start off with what the Prime Minister himself described as a modest one? Furthermore, would not it be desirable for us to find out now in a practical way how far the tests can be monitored? It is extremely 144 depressing and confusing, first, to refuse to find out and then to have statements made by statesmen that secret tests can be carried out. The state of public opinion is completely confused on this matter.
§ Mr. LloydIn answer to the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I think there are other considerations, such as defence, to be considered. I have considerable sympathy with the second part of his supplementary question. That is exactly why I wish the Soviet Union would accept the offer that we have repeatedly made to get technical experts to work at once to devise an inspection system. I am certain that one day an inspection system will be needed. Why cannot we get on now with the job of devising it, which would be a way of dealing with the point that the right hon. Gentleman has made?