HC Deb 26 February 1968 vol 759 cc927-8
14. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent in the negotiating of a draft Non-Proliferation Treaty the right of European nations collectively to develop and possess nuclear weapons systems for combined defence has been safeguarded; what new restrictions it is proposed to place on the international exchange of information and assistance in the exploitation of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy; and what is the intended position of Euratom vis-à-vis the International Atomic Energy Authority.

Mr. George Brown

I apologise for the length of this Answer, but after all this is an important Question. The non-nuclear weapon States would be prevented by the Non-Proliferation Treaty from manufacturing nuclear weapons or receiving the transfer of such weapons or of control over them. Far from inhibiting the full and free interchange of civil nuclear information and assistance, the Treaty expressly endorses the right to such interchange. The Safeguards Article III of the Treaty would permit the International Atomic Energy Agency and the parties to the Treaty to negotiate agreements that take full account of the fact that some of the parties are members of a regional organisation that has its own safeguards system.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does the latter part of that Answer mean that under the Treaty there would be no obstacle to a united European defence system developing its own nuclear weapons system?

Mr. Brown

That is quite a different question either from the last part of the Question on the Order Paper or from my reply. I was dealing with a safeguards system which obviously raises the question in Europe of safeguards for Euratom. That is a different question.

Mr. Pavitt

Is it not time, in addition to the long-performed ritual dances at Geneva and other places, that the Government should be seen to be taking a new initiative in discussions for disarmament? What has happened to the Minister for Disarmament?

Mr. Brown

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State with special responsibility for disarmament is away this day engaged on a very relevant issue. We are still, of course, taking initiatives. The fact that this Treaty has so nearly reached a successful outcome and so nearly reached the point where nations can be invited to sign it, owes a great deal to what first my noble Friend and now my right hon. Friend have contributed.