HC Deb 05 May 1969 vol 783 c30
37. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the work of the United Nations Disarmament Committee.

Mr. M. Stewart

The Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee is considering further arms control measures in the nuclear and non-nuclear fields, to follow up the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Particular attention is being paid to the questions of a comprehensive nuclear test ban, arms control on the seabed, and a ban on biological methods of warfare. Further details were given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in his speech to the Committee on 17th April, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Hughes

I thank my right hon. Friend for that comprehensive answer. Does he realise that the work referred to in the Question is symbolic of the best in our modern civilisation, and will he do his part in the Government to promote it?

Mr. Stewart

Yes. It is true that a large proportion of the initiatives now being taken on disarmament are being taken by the British Government.