HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 cc985-6
12. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the political differences which make it inappropriate for him to undertake an initiatve to achieve a nuclear-free zone in Europe.

Mr. Mulley

As I told my hon. Friend on 25th April, progress on European security measures cannot be disassociated from progress in resolving the political problems of the Continent. The continuing division of Germany lies at the heart of these problems. We continue to seek a more secure Europe, but account must be taken of the close links between the question of European security and the German problem.—[Vol. 782, c. 141.]

Mr. Jenkins

But is not the position that the development of gas centrifuge means that there is grave danger, while Germany remains divided, of both sides becoming possessed of a nuclear capability, and if this is allowed to happen will not the possibility of getting a nuclear-free zone recede even further? Is not the matter urgent, and will my right hon. Friend act?

Mr. Mulley

I think that my hon. Friend is completely mistaken in thinking that there is a connection between the gas centrifuge arrangements that are being negotiated and nuclear weapons. The former are wholly for the civil use of nuclear energy, and stringent precautions will be taken, safeguards and so on applied, to ensure that in the case of the non-nuclear members it will be used only for civil purposes. I do not see any connection in this, and I advise my hon. Friend that to take such an initiative, which is not likely to succeed in present circumstances, would not be helpful.