§ 45. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister if he will consider making representations to President de Gaulle against atom tests over Africa, in view of dangers to the well-being of the people of Africa for whom Her Majesty's Government are responsible.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I would refer the hon. Member to what I said on this subject on 9th July.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he said nothing in that Answer to reassure the Africans? Is he aware that there is a considerable volume of African opinion which regards the people responsible for atomic warfare as super-savages? Is he aware that Africans converted by the Church of Scotland are thinking of sending a deputation to 10, Downing Street to convert the tenant to Christianity?
§ The Prime MinisterI would remind the hon. Gentleman of the reply given yesterday by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs:
The French Government have stated that their test—which will be of an atomic, not a hydrogen, bomb—will be held in such a way as to cause no damage to health in neighbouring territories ".—[OFFICIAL REPORT, Monday, 13th July, 1959; Vol. 609, c. 2.]