§ 18. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official representations he has now made concerning the forthcoming French nuclear tests in the Pacific.
§ Mr. AmeryWe have no authoritative confirmation that a French test series will take place in the Pacific in 1973. The French Government are of course aware of our concern in the event of any resumption of tests in view of our responsibilities in the Pacific. I am confident that if they decide to resume tests they will, as on previous occasions, give us adequate warning so that we can make appropriate arrangements for radiological health surveys.
§ Mr. SpearingAs the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have made clear that they believe that the European Community has a role in world affairs, will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Government apparently have taken no action at all to put their dislike of these tests to the French Government? Would he please do so? In the event of the tests taking place, can 934 he categorically state that no observers will be present on behalf of the British Government?
§ Mr. AmeryThe French Government know perfectly well that we hope that in due course they will adhere to the partial test ban treaty. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] This is a matter for the French Government, and we have made our position in the matter perfectly clear.
§ Mr. DalyellOn Question No. 5 the Under-Secretary asked us to await this Question to hear what the Pitcairn Islanders said to the Government on this matter.
§ Mr. AmeryThere have been regular visits, by the Commissioner responsible, to the Pitcairn Islands. There is no evidence of any health hazard to the Pitcairn Islanders.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat have they said? The right hon. Gentleman does not know.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsWhat consultations and co-operation have there been between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand about this? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what has been done or what is proposed to be done? Is he aware that the people and the Governments of these two countries look to us for help in a matter which particularly affects them and certainly affects the rest of us in the sense of an overall anti-nuclear policy?
§ Mr. AmeryI understand that the Australian and New Zealand Governments are working on the formulation of a policy which they will adopt towards this. They have not yet reached any definite conclusion. The right hon. Gentleman will remember that we voted for the resolution sponsored by them at the United Nations last year.
§ Mr. FellIs my right hon. Friend aware that last week an allegation was made that following some of the nuclear weapon tests in the Pacific there had been a deleterious affect on the fruit of the Pitcairn Islands—perhaps the most beautiful fruit in the world? Can he say whether there is any truth in this?
§ Mr. Russell KerrIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is deep resentment throughout Australia and New Zealand at the gutless attitude of Her Majesty's Government? Can we at least as a last nostalgic gesture towards our fast-departing Commonwealth do the decent thing and stand up and be counted on this moral and political issue?
§ Mr. AmeryAs I have said, we supported the resolution sponsored by Australia and New Zealand at the United Nations last year.
§ Mr. DalyellIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.