§ 45. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Defence what is his estimate of the cost to be incurred in the testing of a nuclear weapon underground in Nevada; and what is his estimate of the cost of production of the weapon to be exploded.
§ 46. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Defence What is the estimated cost of the British nuclear tests at Nevada; and when, precisely, it is proposed to hold them.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe information about costs for which I am asked is classified and I am not prepared to disclose it. As regards the time of the test, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister said on 8th February that it would be held within a few weeks.
§ Mr. HughesEven though the Minister is not prepared to give the exact figures, can he confirm that the cost will be very heavy indeed; and that one of the reasons for his not giving the cost is that he does not want to frighten the British taxpayer? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although America may be able to go in for these expensive weapons, the state 1339 of our economy and finance—as shown yesterday by the Chancellor—is such that this country cannot do so without going bankrupt?
§ Mr. WatkinsonOn the contrary, this is quits a small test, and the cost is not out of proportion to the size of the test.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that it was stated in Washington on 24th February that this test would take place within fourteen days from then? Is that so? And if—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The right hon. Gentleman is not responsible for some statement made in Washington. He cannot be asked to confirm or deny a statement made in Washington.
§ Mr. AllaunIn that case, Mr. Speaker, perhaps I may rephrase my supplementary question. Will the test take place within the next fourteen days? If so, is it not a discouragement to those who think and hope that something will come out of the Geneva talks to stop all tests by all countries?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI think that the hon. Member's supplementary question was really answered by my original Answer, when I quoted my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister as saying on 8th February that the tests would be held within a few weeks.
§ Mr. PagetWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this test involves the proposed nuclear artillery weapon, Blue Water?
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo, because the information about the test, both as to cost and type, is classified.
§ Dr. KingCan the right hon. Gentleman give an estimate of the cost of the recent Russian tests? Will he circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the statements made by the Russian military leaders at their military celebrations last week as to the extent and power of the recent Russian nuclear tests?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI think—
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. What responsibility does the Minister have for answering for Russia?
§ Mr. SpeakerI dare say that the right hon. Member can circulate something in 1340 the OFFICIAL REPORT, but perhaps we had better get on. Mr. Maudling—statement.