§ Q1. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he will now publish a White Paper containing all the relevant scientific data on the effects of nuclear testing and the technical aspects of verification of such tests.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)As I explained in reply to the right hon. and learned Gentleman on 15th May, I do not think that it would be practicable to publish a White Paper at this stage.
§ Mr. HendersonOn an analogous matter, in view of the difficulty of obtaining full information as to what has been taking place at the Geneva Disarmament Conference, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider publishing as a White Paper the Report of the 18-Power Disarmament Commission, which is to be presented to the General Assembly of the United Nations in a very short time?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly look into that. I think that these are sometimes published as United Nations papers, and, in that case, that may be sufficient. But, if it is necessary, I will look into the other point.
§ Mr. GaitskellWith regard to my right hon. and learned Friend's point on the effects of nuclear testing, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he will reconsider the matter? Is he aware that there are a great many contradictory and confusing statements made by different scientists and that it would be of considerable help to all of us if we could have an authoritative review of the position, possibly by the Medical Research Council?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly consider that, but it will not necessarily resolve the conflicting statements of scientists.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIn the event of the Prime Minister deciding to publish a White Paper, will he have particular regard to the effect of these tests on the food supplies of the world, not only particularly on fish—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—that is expected of me —but also on agricultural produce? In addition, will he have regard to the effect of the weather on the food supplies of the world?
§ The Prime MinisterI will try to bear all these points in mind. May I take the opportunity of welcoming the hon. and learned Gentleman on his return? That is the first question which he has asked me since his return to the House.
§ Mr. MacDermotSince the Prime Minister says that it is not practicable to publish this information, will he confirm that he is not suggesting that there are any security objections to doing so?
§ The Prime MinisterThat, of course, would have to be taken into account in any White Paper which was published.