HC Deb 29 May 1962 vol 660 cc1157-8
Q4. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, following the proposal of the Mexican Government at the Geneva Conference, it is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government that no nuclear testing will be carried out by Her Majesty's Government after 1st January, 1963.

The Prime Minister

I have made it clear that the Mexican proposal will be considered. The right hon. and learned Gentleman is suggesting a unilateral undertaking by Her Majesty's Government, however, and I do not think this would assist the negotiations.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the announcement that the United States Government propose in a few days' time to carry out high-altitude tests, 400 to 600 miles into space, and the fact that the Soviet Government have announced their intention of carrying out similar high-altitude tests, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if he is not prepared to take unilateral action, he would take the initiative in proposing to President Kennedy and Mr. Khrushchev that an agreed specified date should be arranged on which all tests should be ended, as suggested by the Government of Mexico?

The Prime Minister

Of course I sympathise with the right hon. and learned Gentleman's interest in this matter, which indeed we all share. The question is both the effective method and the right moment to make any new suggestions for some new negotiations.

Mr. G. Brown

Since the British nuclear deterrent died with Blue Streak, could we not at least say that we will not conduct any more nuclear testing because there is no point in it?

The Prime Minister

If I accepted, which I do not, the premise in the right hon. Gentleman's question, I do not see how to abandon something which he says is no good to us is such a wonderfully generous gesture for others to follow.

Mr. S. Silverman

Would not the Prime Minister agree that in the case of these high-altitude tests, 400 to 600 miles high, it might be possible to make a limited agreement not to indulge in that kind of testing, without the necessity of verification on the spot?

The Prime Minister

That does not arise out of the Question, which deals with nuclear testing. If there is a special Question on 'high-altitude tests, as no doubt there may be, I will do my best to answer it.