HC Deb 30 March 1960 vol 620 cc1322-4
40. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Defence, why information regarding new methods of chemical or germ warfare were supplied by Great Britain for purposes of mass production and stockpiling by the United States of America, which is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention on poison gases.

44. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent it is a condition of any agreement for the exchange of information regarding the results of chemical warfare research with the United States of America that full-scale production shall take place only with the consent of the country supplying the information.

Mr. Watkinson

Information of this kind is exchanged with the United States authorities at the research stage under the normal arrangements, in order to assist the development of an effective defence. No restrictions are placed on the use which either country may make of the information for its own purposes.

Mr. Allaun

Was the statement by the Ministry spokesman on 10th March that details of nerve gases of unprecedented power had been handed to America made with the Minister's approval? Secondly, is he aware that the United States Defence Department has admitted that production is to start there next year? Are not these serious admissions in view of the widespread revulsion against the whole filthy business?

Mr. Watkinson

I am not aware of the position with regard to the first supplementary question. On the second question, the position is that there is an agreement for the interchange of information between the two countries, and this particular process was dealt with under that interchange at a very early stage in the research and development programme.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that since this country has ratified the Geneva Convention about this type of warfare and the United States of America has not, if we supply information to the United States of America without any condition as to its being used for defensive purposes only and not used for stockpiling, that would be a breach by this country of the Convention which it has signed and ratified? If he has doubts about this, will be take good legal opinion about it?

Mr. Watkinson

I think the hon. Gentleman is perhaps not aware of what President Eisenhower said at his Press conference on 13th January, 1960, when he made it clear that he was not contemplating any change in the traditional United States' policy of not being the first to use chemical or biological weapons.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Fletcher.

Mr. Warbey

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister was answering my Question, No. 44, at the same time.

Mr. Speaker

I beg the hon. Member's pardon; he is quite right.

Mr. Warbey

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the statement made by Major General Stubbs, the United States Army chemical officer, that unless the public accept the fact that we must be prepared to use these weapons we shall not achieve a balanced weapon system? Does he deny that this nerve gas which was developed in this country is to go into full production in the United States next year? In view of our position in the N.A.T.O. alliance, what is he doing to oppose this policy of introducing these weapons into the balance of terror?

Mr. Watkinson

I am not aware of the statement made, nor am I responsible for statements or actions by the United States Administration.

Mr. Silverman

On a point of order. In view of that very unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek an opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.