§ Q3. Mr. Blakerasked the Prime Minister if he will define an internationalised nuclear deterrent, as the phrase has been used in explaining Government policy.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to my speeches in this House on 16th and 17th December last.
§ Mr. BlakerIs it not becoming increasingly clear that the Government are unlikely to get either the A.N.F. or the M.L.F.? Will the right hon. Gentleman now give an assurance that he will continue to conduct such nuclear tests as may be necessary in spite of that?
§ The Prime MinisterAs regards the M.L.F., we always made clear our objection to the proposals which were being considered when we came into office, and we put forward our A.N.F. proposal as an alternative. Discussions will now be starting quite seriously within N.A.T.O. on this. The hon. Gentleman knows why they have not been carried out during the past few months. As regards testing, I have already stated the position.
§ Mr. HeathWill the Prime Minister give a clear undertaking, which he failed to give last Thursday, that he will in future announce the dates of tests in advance and make an announcement after they have taken place without actually being questioned?
§ The Prime MinisterThat gives me an opportunity to correct what the right hon. Gentleman said last week. In fact, the previous Government did not make an announcement before or after the test of September, 1964. We broke with that precedent by announcing afterwards in the House the test which took place this year and the result.