§ Q2. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister what approaches he has recently made to President de Gaulle about nuclear tests.
§ The Prime MinisterNone, Sir. The French are fully aware of our concern about their current programme of nuclear tests in the Pacific.
§ Mr. MartenIs the Prime Minister aware that the French Government take the view that independent nuclear arms are essential for independence? Before he finally gives up Britain's nuclear independent deterrent, would he please balance very carefully, and very purposively, these views of the French Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI am also aware that the French Government have consistently operated in defiance of the test ban negotiated by right hon. Gentlemen opposite. I hope that the hon. Gentleman is not trying to justify their defiance of the test ban, signed in Moscow three years ago. So far as these tests are concerned, we have made our position clear to them, although I am glad to be able to inform the House that we have received assurances from the French Government that they will take steps necessary to ensure that no risk to British subjects in the area, which is one of our main anxieties, will be occasioned by the tests.
§ Mr. HoggCan the Prime Minister give us news of any additional fall-out from the atmosphere as monitored by our experts as a result of these tests?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, not yet. However, if the right hon. and learned Gentleman tables a Question, I shall be glad to give him an answer to it.