HC Deb 22 February 1961 vol 635 cc493-4
12. Mr. Swingler

asked the Lord Privy Seal what are now the obstacles to the conclusion of an international agreement to ban nuclear tests.

Mr. Heath

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on 15th February, there are a number of points of disagreement, but the hold-up mainly relates to the research programme, the length of the moratorium, and the quota of inspections.

Mr. Swingler

In view of the considerable progress which has been made towards reaching agreement and the relative success of the Geneva Conference in maintaining a moratorium, albeit temporary, among the participants, will the Lord Privy Seal now make a supreme effort to clinch these matters by an agreement in principle because of the opportunities which it would give for further progress on disarmament?

Mr. Heath

Yes, Sir.

Mr. A. Henderson

Inasmuch as Her Majesty's Government have made it clear that they do not intend to resume nuclear tests, would it not be advantageous if they made it clear that they are prepared to sign a ban on all tests, large and small, pending the working out of a better system of control and inspection?

Mr. Heath

One would have to examine that carefully. We must adhere to the original terms by which we suspended tests when we started the conference.

25. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will propose some limited form of unilateral disarmament at the nuclear test talks.

Mr. Heath

No, Sir.

Mr. Allaun

If Britain announced that she was not merely suspending test explosions as at present, but ending them permanently, would not this help to disperse the mutual suspicion, which at the moment is so deep that only deeds, and not words, will remove it? After all, was it not by such limited unilateral action that the present system was started and has since been maintained?

Mr. Heath

I know that the hon. Member is sincere in his suggestion, but I do not think that that is the best means of reaching the agreement which he wants. We have made considerable progress in the talks and we are hopeful that when they are resumed we shall be able to reach final agreement.

Mr. Allaun

Surely, after two and a half years with failure to agree, the present methods have failed?

Mr. Heath

No, Sir; I cannot accept that the present methods have failed. When we resume the conference at the end of March, after consultation with the American Government, I hope that we shall be able to make real progress.