§ Ql. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if he will take the initiative in proposing to President Johnson and Premier Kosygin that there should be an international conference to consider the revision and updating of the Geneva Protocol covering chemical and microbiological warfare.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to a Question by him on 1st July by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. —[Vol. 767, c. 167.]
§ Mr. DalyellWhen the Geneva Conference reconvenes on 16th July shall we be raising these complex problems of inspection and verification?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is certainly our intention when the Committee reconvenes on 16th July—we are now examining all the issues that we think it should consider and we have been devoting particular attention to the question of chemical and biological weapons.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is growing interest in the question of microbiological and chemical warfare? Does not he think that there should be a departure from the Conservative Administration's policy, and a transfer of the Porton establishment to the Ministry of Health?
§ The Prime MinisterI have considered whether it should be transferred to the Ministry of Health but I am satisfied that in present circumstances it should not be. I agree that there is great interest in the subject and that this interest has increased recently, but I do not feel that it would be right to transfer responsibility from the Secretary of State for Defence.
§ Mr. HughesOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.