§ Q5. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister what information he has received from the United States administration on the consequences of the American high-altitude tests; and what consultations have now been held under Government auspices between British scientists and the American scientists responsible for these tests.
§ The Prime MinisterReports have been received from the United States authorities both on the physical effects of the high-altitude tests and on their military implications. Most of 'the information on the physical effects has now been published in scientific journals. As regards the military implications, there have been exchanges between British and United States scientists as part of a continuing series of consultations.
§ Mr. DribergCan the Prime Minister say whether Professor Lovell, with whom he was good enough to communicate 277 about this matter before, is now satisfied that these tests have done more good than harm? Can he also try to find out whether the physical disturbances caused by these tests include climatic disturbances of the kind that have now shifted the customary winter anticyclones from Siberia to Great Britain?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot answer for Professor Lovell, and I should be wrong to try to do so. With regard to the question of irradiation, in which I know the hon. Gentleman takes a deep interest, I am informed that the risk from natural sources exists, but is small, and that the risk from fall-out is smaller still.