§ 47 Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Prime Minister (1) what restrictions have been made on the use of air space by foreign aircraft in the area of Christmas Island during the current series of British nuclear weapons tests;
(2) what warnings and notices have been given to foreign countries in connection with the current series of British nuclear weapons tests on the high seas; and what orders have been given by Her Majesty's Government in regard to action to be taken if foreign ships or aircraft enter the area of the high seas when the tests are being made;
(3) what areas of the high seas in the area of Christmas Island are not open to foreign shipping during the carrying out of the current series of British nuclear weapons tests; and for how long.
§ The Prime MinisterAll foreign diplomatic missions in London were informed on 24th April that an area of approximately 200 nautical miles square around Christmas Island would be dangerous to ships and aircraft on account of nuclear weapons tests from 26th April until further notice. Representatives of Commonwealth countries and the High Commissioner Western Pacific were also informed. Shipping and aircraft were also 1032 warned direct by Admiralty and Air Ministry announcements on 24th April. The notice was withdrawn on 3rd May.
In addition, permission for ships unconnected with the test to enter the territorial waters around Christmas Island is suspended. Similarly permission is not granted for aircraft unconnected with the tests to overfly Christmas Island and its territorial waters.
A careful search is made within the area before a test, for any shipping or aircraft which might inadvertently have entered it and be in danger. If any were discovered they would be advised to leave the danger area at once.
§ Mr. JonesIs last Saturday's lifting of our ban on navigation in the Christmas Island area permanent or only temporary? If it is permanent, does it mean that the Government have decided to abandon further nuclear tests, and in view of the temporary abandonment—at the very least—of that prohibition on navigation, is this not an appropriate moment for the British Government to say that they will suspend further nuclear tests, at least until the taking place of the summit talks?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question. As I have explained, the notice was given on a certain date and it was removed on 3rd May. This was because that test was completed.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Shinwell.
§ Mr. JonesOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker, I have three Questions on the Order Paper on this matter. May I ask the Prime Minister—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]
§ Mr. SpeakerIn the circumstances, if the hon. Member has another Question, I will allow him to put it.
§ Mr. JonesI am much obliged, Sir. Does not the question I have asked, as to whether this raising of the ban on navigation in the area is temporary or permanent, arise directly from the terms of my Questions Nos. 51 and 52, and is this not a most important matter for the Prime Minister to make a statement upon?
§ The Prime MinisterOf course, it is an important matter, but I think I have answered the Questions. The Questions are specific; I have tried to answer them 1033 specifically, and I have given the facts. If by any mistake I have not done so, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down another Question and I will do my best to answer it.