§ Q5. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister to what extent he consulted the Prime Minister of New Zealand before agreeing that nuclear tests should take place at Christmas Island.
§ Q8. Mr. Brockwayasked the Prime Minister on what date he informed the Government of New Zealand that he had agreed with President Kennedy that preparations should be made for United States nuclear tests on Christmas Island; and what reply he has given to the representations made by the Prime Minister of New Zealand in the interests of the populations of Samoa, the North Cook Islands and Tokelau.
§ The Prime MinisterI have for some months kept the Prime Minister of New Zealand informed about these matters. He expressed disquiet about the fallout danger to New Zealand dependencies in the Pacific but, at the same time, he made it clear that he would not object to a decision to make the facilities available on Christmas Island provided there were reasonable assurances about the minimising of fallout dangers. These I was able to give him.
§ Mr. HughesHas the Prime Minister seen the latest statement in which the Prime Minister of New Zealand says that if the tests proceed there is an immediate problem of radioactive fallout? Is he aware that New Zealand will not be affected by itself but that, since a considerable amount of dairy produce and meat are sent to this country from New Zealand, it is in the interests of New Zealand, all the people living in that part of the world, and Britain that these tests should not take place?
§ The Prime MinisterThe last statement of the Prime Minister of New Zealand which I have seen was on 9th February, when he said that the Anglo-American decision to prepare for atmospheric tests, though not welcome in New Zealand, had been forced upon them by Russian action.
§ Mr. HughesHe said a lot more than that.
§ Mr. BrockwayThe right hon. Gentleman said that the New Zealand Government had been informed, but were there consultations? Does it not appear that the exchange of opinion between our Government and New Zealand must have been very restricted and almost irrelevant, because the Prime Minister of New Zealand has expressed his alarm that Christmas Island should be used for this purpose, as he wishes to protect the populations of those islands which have been under the tutelage of the Government of New Zealand?
§ The Prime MinisterI could no) publish them, for it would be contrary to practice, but I have been in consultation or discussion with the Prime Minister of New Zealand as far back as 8th November, and again on 19th November and 27th December and since the Bermuda meeting.
§ Sir J. DuncanWould not my right hon. Friend agree that these proposed tests are of anti-missile missiles and, therefore, defensive? Should they not therefore be welcome, provided that there is no danger to human life?
§ The Prime MinisterI have tried to set out the considerations which were in our minds when President Kennedy and I reached this decision. We made a statement on it and we were asked many questions. I have nothing to add except that it would be with the greatest reluctance that we might find ourselves forced to do this and only in order to protect the West from finding itself in a position of inferiority which, I believe, would not be conducive to the cause of peace.
§ Mr. M. FootWhen the Prime Minister says in his original Answer that he has given the Prime Minister of New 206 Zealand information about the extent of the fall-out which may be involved in this new round of tests, does he mean that how many tests should be conducted has already been agreed? If not, how can be give such information? Will he give the House of Commons exactly the information about the possibilities of fall-out which he has given to the Prime Minister of New Zealand?
§ The Prime MinisterI have given the House a statement, and I repeat that, if these tests have to be made, they will be of a very minor character compared with the massive tests which have been made by the Russians, and I am satisfied that the danger from fall-out is minimal.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the unsatisfactory answers which have been given, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.