§ 49. Mr. Awberyasked the Prime Minister if he will make a request to the Maritime Committee of the International Labour Office to place upon the agenda of its next meeting the codifying of the law relating to the principle of the freedom of the high seas so as to prohibit nuclear tests at sea in any part of the world where it may be a danger to shipping.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I consider that questions regarding the prohibition of nuclear tests should be dealt with in the context of disarmament negotiations.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that during the Bikini test 20,000 square miles of sea were regarded as dangerous and that every nation that desires to experiment with H-bombs is able to use any part of the ocean unless there is some law to govern it? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that a law is passed by the nations of the world to govern tests at sea in order to protect our seamen?
§ The Prime MinisterThis question is much better dealt with where it belongs, in the context of disarmament.