HC Deb 28 February 1966 vol 725 cc886-7
21. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to procure a comprehensive testban treaty proscribing underground tests.

Mr. M. Stewart

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply of 15th February, to the hon. Gentleman, the Member for Barkston Ash (Mr. Alison).

Mr. Campbell

Since the recent Soviet explosion has emphasised the importance of this, why has the Minister for Disarmament been unable to make any progress at all?

Mr. Stewart

The problem about a test-ban treaty proscribing underground tests is that, unlike other aspects of a test-ban treaty, it is not self-policing. The difficult question of inspection arises, but we are still seeking an agreed way of dealing with the problem.