§ Q9. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the health of the people of the Cook Islands and other British territories may be endangered by French atmospheric nuclear testing in the South Pacific; what consultations on this subject there have been between Her Majesty's Gov- 980 ernment in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth Governments; and if, in view of the facts on increased radioactive contamination in the Pacific area disclosed by the leader of the New Zealand delegation to the General Assembly of the United Nations, he will make urgent representations on this matter to President De Gaulle.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Cook Islands are a dependency of New Zealand. The Australian and New Zealand Governments have made known to the British Government their concern about this matter. The French Government were made fully aware last summer of our hope that they would adhere to the Test Ban Treaty. We will seek discussions with the French Government at an appropriate time about any health hazards to the population of British territories in the Pacific.
§ Mr. DribergDoes that Answer mean that the French Government will or will not proceed with these tests in the Pacific? And has the right hon. Gentleman read the very cogent speech made by the leader of the New Zealand delegation to the United Nations on 18th October? Also, is there not a certain irony in the contrast between the admirable proposal referred to in Question No. Q7 and the fact that if these tests take place they will, presumably, infect an incalculable number of innocent people with cancer?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot, of course, answer for the French Government as to whether or not they will test. All I can say is that we will get in touch with the French Government, if it seems that they intend to test, about these matters concerning the health of the people.