§ 9. Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the United Nations resolution proposing the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in Africa; and what report has been made by the Organisation of African Unity on studies made with a view to implementing this resolution.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThe resolution in question invited the Organisation of African Unity to initiate these studies, but no report has yet been issued.
§ Mr. MoonmanDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that, as the original Resolution was passed overwhelmingly by 105 votes to nil some four years ago, any stimulus we might give in this rather contentious area would be greatly welcomed?
§ Mr. RobertsCertainly. The Resolution was unanimously adopted, and we supported it. We take the view—this is a general view held by other members of the United Nations—that this kind of arrangement is primarily for the countries concerned in the area concerned.
§ Mr. Philip Noel-BakerSince N.A.T.O. has now decided that the so-called tactical nuclear weapons cannot be used without disaster in a land battle, will my hon. Friend also propose a nuclear-free zone for Europe?
§ Mr. RobertsWe are certainly ready to take part in any meaningful and practical discussions which will, through political action, prepare for exactly that sort of position.