Nuclear Proliferation (Hansard, 16 June 1976)

§ 5. Mr. Forman
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he plans to have in the near future about the prevention of nuclear proliferation with his counterparts in those countries which would be capable of exporting nuclear equipment.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. John Tomlinson)
Her Majesty's Government have over the last two years or so pursued an active nuclear non-proliferation policy, part of which relates to the export of nuclear equipment. As my right hon. Friend made clear on 31st March, this involves consultations with other Governments. This policy remains in force and the consultations will continue.

§ Mr. Forman
Are the hon. Gentleman and the other members of the Government aware that many of us on all sides of the House have a deep concern about the dangers of nuclear proliferation and would like to see the Government pressing for at least two important objectives—first, a total ban on the export of nuclear reprocessing technology, and, secondly, adequate international storage facilities, under strict control, for spent nuclear fuel?

§ Mr. Tomlinson
The concern of the hon. Gentleman is shared, I am sure, by the whole House, including Her Majesty's Government, but at this stage it has been agreed by those participating in the discussions that progress can best be made on all these issues, important as they are, if confidentiality in the discussions is at present maintained.

§ Mr. Gwynfor Evans
Will the Government take a determined initiative in trying to bring together all the countries that are involved in the sale of arms, both nuclear and conventional, with a view to trying to get a reduction and control of this rapidly growing field of commerce—and a horrific field it is—which is causing so much misery, especially in the Third World countries?

§ Mr. Tomlinson
I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will recognise that Her Majesty's Government are playing a full part in all the disarmament negotiations, and we wish to see these negotiations completed on a proper multilateral basis.

§ Mr. Moonman
I appreciate my hon. Friend's original statement, but does he not think that it will add to our credibility in any discussions we undertake if we have a more consistent policy ourselves in regard to the import of nuclear reprocessing fuels?

§ Mr. Tomlinson
I take note of the question. I do not think there is any conflict in Her Majesty's Government's policy as it stands at present.