§ 20. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Her Majesty's Government agreed, in the revised 1954 Brussels Treaty, to the prohibition on the manufacture of 8 atomic, biological and chemical weapons by the Federal Government of Germany being limited to German territory.
Mr. LloydThe prohibition to which the right hon. and learned Member refers was, in fact, a voluntary undertaking. It is true that it only refers specifically to the territory of the Federal Republic. There was no question then (nor is there now) of a German Government wanting to manufacture these weapons outside Germany.
§ Mr. HendersonWas not the British public led to understand at the time that the Federal Government of West Germany—voluntarily, as the right hon. Gentleman said, but absolutely— gave up its right to manufacture nuclear weapons? Is it intended to amend the Brussels Treaty so as to extend the prohibition to territories outside German territory?
Mr. LloydI think the right hon. Gentleman must be satisfied with my answer. There was no question then and there is no question now of the German Government manufacturing these things either on German territory or outside.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Foreign Secretary aware that there is a report that German soldiers are to be based on and to do certain exercises in this country? Is he aware that our germ factory at Porton is under the control of the War Office? Will he give an assurance that none of these German soldiers will be studying germ warfare in this country?
Mr. LloydI cannot always follow the supplementaries of the hon. Member. Is this an invitation to an exercise in Ayrshire?
§ Mr. HughesIn view of that contemptible answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.