HC Deb 22 March 1955 vol 538 cc163-4W
54. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister if he will initiate early discussions with the Governments of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics specifically on the dangers arising from the effect on drifting clouds of nuclear explosion experiments with a view to joint research into this matter and publication of the conclusions reached.

The Prime Minister

I am advised that the effect of nuclear explosion experiments on drifting clouds would be identical with the effects of hydrogen bomb tests on the world's atmosphere. The question of the genetic effects arising from nuclear explosions will be fully debated later today, and no doubt other aspects will also receive attention. As regards discussions with foreign countries on the subject, I have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs gave yesterday to the hon. Lady the Member for Blackburn, East (Mrs. Castle).