HC Deb 15 July 1963 vol 681 cc17-8
17. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will now publish an account of the scientific and other factors which determine the number of on-site inspections thought necessary by Her Majesty's Government as part of a test ban agreement.

Mr. Heath

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 29th May.

Mr. Lubbock

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that on 29th May he told me that the data were not readily presented in the form of a White Paper and that the inference which I drew from that—the inference which anyone would have drawn—was that they were present able in some other form? This is what I am now seeking; that the data should be presented in a form which the right hon. Gentleman may decide.

Mr. Heath

I do not think that that was a justifiable inference from my reply. I explained that there were a number of reasons why this information could not readily be published. I explained that other factors came into it as well as the scientific data which is available in trying to reach a test ban agreement. As we are now negotiating a test ban agreement, it might be best if we leave the matter there and see what happens.