HC Deb 04 July 1973 vol 859 cc516-8
10. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from the two British Government representatives on Pitcairn Island about the monitoring of French nuclear tests; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

Two RAF technicians were landed on Pitcairn Island in the middle of May. They are now carrying out routine background radiological observations. They will thus be in a position to detect any local effects of nuclear explosions which may reach Pitcairn.

Mr. Dalyell

In particular, what facilities are available to these two RAF technicians for monitoring the short-lived iodine 131?

Mr. Amery

I should want notice of the detailed point, but I understand—

Mr. Dalyell

It is not a detailed point.

Mr. Amery

I understand that they are very well equipped to monitor all the likely radioactive consequences.

Mr. Dalyell

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "well equipped"?

Mr. Amery

Adequately equipped, well equipped. We have been doing this for a number of years. The hon. Member took me to task the other day as a Leonardo da Vinci, but he seems a one-man laboratory in these matters. I ask him to believe that we take these matters seriously. I would only add that I was glad to see that, in spite of the Chinese tests, the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) and the right hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey) attended the Chinese acrobatics last night and that environmental considerations did not interfere with their study of the acrobatic art of which they stand in great need.

Sir G. Nabarro

Returning to Pitcairn Island, is my right hon. Friend aware that in answer to my questions the Prime Minister has persisted indignantly in saying that the allegations about radioactive material leading to the reduction of flora and fauna to negligible proportions on the island were not true, that no radioactive presence had been found on the island, and that it was not until last May, as a result of the persistence of my questions, that he put these two observers on Pitcairn Island? Will my right hon. Friend make quite sure that this time evidence is placed in the Library as to the true position about radioactive fallout as a result of the French explosions?

Mr. Amery

The latest information available to me confirms what the Prime Minister said. It appears that the verdure on Pitcairn Island is lusher than usual this year. It is not our practice to produce day-to-day running commentaries on what the technicians on Pitcairn report, but, as on previous occasions, I shall ensure that, if he wishes, my hon.

Friend is kept informed, towards the end of the year, of their general conclusions.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

May I put to the right hon. Gentleman a point that he may wish to answer later? How relevant and how available is the evidence and knowledge gained by the Indian monitoring system for our own purposes of deciding how serious or how innocuous these tests will prove to be?

Mr. Amery

I should want notice of that question. I shall certainly write to the right hon. Gentleman.

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