HC Deb 16 March 1964 vol 691 cc986-7
40. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what study he has made of recent developments of techniques for detecting underground nuclear test explosions, with a view to making new proposals for an agreement to ban such tests.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Robert Mathew)

We have a research programme which is pursuing all aspects of the detection and identification of underground tests. However, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 12th March, there are no developments in the technique of detecting and indentifying underground nuclear explosions which would justify changing the Western position with respect to on-site inspections.

Mr. Allaun

In view of the seven months' delay since the August agreement to ban atmospheric tests, will the hon. Gentleman deny categorically that there is any tacit understanding among the three Governments to "knock into touch", to withhold any search for an agreement, until after the presidential elections in November?

Mr. Mathew

I think that the hon. Gentleman has in mind certain Press reports. As my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science explained to the House on 10th March, those reports are misleading—

Mr. Allaun

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I did not refer to any Press reports about detection tests. I was referring to something quite different.

Mr. Speaker

That does not raise a point of order. If the Minister presumes that the hon. Gentleman has something in mind, I cannot stop him.

Mr. Allaun

There is no relation.

Mr. Lipton

The Minister has got to read his brief.