HC Deb 13 May 1959 vol 605 c1227
17. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the nature of the agreement that has been arrived at with the United States Air Force as to which targets will be attacked with hydrogen bombs in the event of war.

Mr. Ward

It would clearly not be in the public interest to give information about targets.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Secretary of State aware that considerable alarm has been displayed in this country owing to statements made in the Press, including a reputable Conservative paper, the Scotsman, which on 8th May said that Britain and the United States have agreed which targets should be attacked with H-bombs in the event of war, and which goes on to say that we have been allocated targets but that we have not enough H-bombs for that? Is not this provocative? Why are the Americans dictating policy which may mean suicide for this country?

Mr. Ward

While I fully share the hon. Member's respect for the Scotsman, I am sure he will not expect me to comment on newspaper reports.