§ 16. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Defence what consultations have taken place between his Department and representatives of the United States of America attending the Geneva Conference on safe- 1168 guards against surprise attack, with particular reference to the carriage of nuclear bombs over United Kingdom territory.
§ Mr. SandysHer Majesty's Government have had full consultations with the other Western Governments represented at the Geneva Conference about surprise attack. These consultations which covered all the main aspects of this problem were naturally of a confidential character.
§ Mr. SwinglerMay I ask whether, in the course of these consultations, the right hon. Gentleman was informed by Mr. Secretary McElvoy that the Strategic Air Command in the United States has now forbidden the carriage of nuclear bombs over American territory? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Secretary McElvoy said this at a Senate inquiry on 2nd February, which was reported on 4th February in the Manchester Guardian and other newspapers? Will the right hon. Gentleman now take action to forbid the carrying of nuclear weapons over British territory?
§ Mr. SandysMy right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal made a very full statement on 4th February last year in which he explained fully what the arrangements were for the carriage of nuclear weapons and how rarely this occurs. I have nothing to add to that statement.