HC Deb 07 December 1967 vol 755 cc1659-60
Q1. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Prime Minister whether he will seek to amend the nuclear test ban agreement in order to make it clear that the testing of antiballistic missile systems involving nuclear explosions is prohibited.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

The Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963 prohibits all nuclear test explosions in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water, and would consequently bar the testing of anti-ballistic missile nuclear warheads in these environments. It is the Government's policy to seek an extension of this ban to cover all nuclear tests in all environments. But we do not think it would be practicable to single out tests of anti-ballistic missile warheads for special and individual prohibition.

Mr. Allaun

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Will he urge Washington not to proceed with the A.B.M. system, particularly as some eminent American scientists have stated that only nuclear explosions in the atmosphere can test the efficacy of the radar engaged in the system?

The Prime Minister

On the information available to me, I think that that is not the case. But there may be tests underground. We want to see a general ban on all tests underground. I am sure my hon. Friend supported the representations we made against the American's developing an A.B.M. system and that he gave equal support to the equally strong representations we made several months earlier to the Russians that they should not have one either.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

But does not my right hon. Friend think it unlikely that the United States would spend such fantastic amounts involved in this system without the full tests which can completely ensure its efficacy?

The Prime Minister

The American Defence Secretary has stated publicly that the warheads for this system could be satisfactorily tested underground and there is no question, therefore, of any infringement of the Partial Test Ban Treaty. Having said that, however, we have expressed strongly our view about this further twist in the arms race both from the Soviet Union and the United States.