§ 36. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been achieved towards the conclusion of an agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
§ Mr. M. StewartAmendments to the Western draft Treaty of last August were tabled in the Eighteen Nation Disarmament Committee at Geneva on 21st March. We believe these represent a considerable step forward. We hope that progress will be made when the texts are further discussed in detail at the new session beginning tomorrow in Geneva.
§ Mr. BlakerDoes not the Foreign Secretary agree that this problem is becoming increasingly urgent? Does he agree with his noble Friend the Minister of State for Disarmament that we are unlikely to see progress until N.A.T.O. has decided how to deal with the question of nuclear sharing and that the best way of doing so would be by way of consultation and not by a joint nuclear force? Will he take this opportunity of making clear his agreement with that thesis?
§ Mr. StewartI certainly agree with the hon. Member about the urgency of this question and with what was said by my noble Friend. The latter part of his question is such that another Question should be put down about it.
§ Mr. Mendelsonis my right hon. Friend aware that the work of the Minister of State for Disarmament and the concrete proposals which he has put forward have widespread support in the House and in the country and are in themselves a contradiction of the allegations which are being made that the Government are doing nothing in this field? Will he persevere with this policy until he is successful?
§ Mr. RankinIn view of what my right hon. Friend said about the Government's desire not to spread nuclear arms, will he assure us that the arms salesman who has recently been appointed will not sell any of these arms to other parts of the world?
§ Mr. StewartI think it has been made quite clear that the Government's policy is against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.