HC Deb 08 February 1962 vol 653 cc612-3
Q3. Mrs. Butler

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he will make in his forthcoming discussions with President Kennedy on action for progress in banning nuclear tests.

Q4. Mr. Morris

asked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government have consented to the use of Christmas Island for United States nuclear tests.

Q5. Mr. Mason

asked the Prime Minister what plans Her Majesty's Government now have for another series of nuclear tests; to what extent agreement has been reached to allow the United States of America to use British testing areas such as Christmas Island; whether consideration is being given to joint testing of nuclear weapons by the United States of America and the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Q7. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of discussions with President Kennedy, he will now state the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to atmospheric nuclear tests in co-operation with the United States Government.

The Prime Minister

I would ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman and the other hon. Members to await the statement which I propose to make at the end of Questions.

Mrs. Butler

Is the Prime Minister aware that people are tired of the nuclear Powers behaving like silly schoolboys, with their attitude of "You have tested your bombs and therefore we must test ours" when the only parity possible in a nuclear arms race is the parity of death? Will not he even now see that a lead is given by this country for an uncontrolled test ban, by making personal visits to Mr. Khrushchev and Mr. Kennedy and asking them to support such a ban before other countries join in this tragic race?

The Prime Minister

I appreciate the hon. Lady's feelings, but I still think that it would be more convenient to deal with this matter as a whole when I make my statement.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Prime Minister aware that, in view of the fact that he has already handed over this country to America, nobody should be surprised if he gives them a present of Christmas Island, too?

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