HC Deb 13 June 1966 vol 729 cc1023-4
33. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what new proposals on disarmament have been put forward by Her Majesty's Government since 15th October, 1964.

Mr. M. Stewart

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 28th February. The Government wish to make progress in the disarmament field, particularly on non-proliferation and a comprehensive nuclear test ban. To this end, we play our full part in the negotiations at the Eighteen Nation Disarmament Committee. In present circumstances it is negotiation rather than new proposals that is needed.

Mr. Blaker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has still not mentioned one new proposal on disarmament which the Government have put forward since they came to power in 1964? What has happened to the new initiative on disarmament which the people of this country were promised in the Labour Party manifesto of 1964?

Mr. Stewart

When I took over office the Eighteen Nation Disarmament Committee was not sitting. One of my first tasks was to represent to the Soviet Government the desirability of their agreeing with the American Government on its recall. It has now been recalled. Our representative there has played a prominent part, and is still doing so, in the hope that we shall be able to reach an agreement.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Is there not good sense in the proposals of the non-aligned Governments to ban all but the smallest nuclear tests since these can now be identified and located and since four-fifths of a loaf is surely better than none?

Mr. Stewart

As I said on an earlier occasion, we are examining this proposal.

Sir A. Douglas-Home

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember the scathing comments which the Prime Minister used to make when he was at this Box on the activities of Lord Harlech and others of my right hon. Friends? Is it not time, after almost two years, that we had one result in this field from the Government?

Mr. Stewart

I trust that we shall have a result, but, as the right hon. Gentleman knows very well, this is not something which can be achieved by one Government alone.