HC Deb 27 June 1956 vol 555 cc55-6W
97. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Supply how far the nuclear tests carried out, and to be carried out, under British auspices were and will be directed to the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes; and what practical discoveries have resulted from those tests already held.

Mr. Erroll

Experimental nuclear explosions are a necessary stage in the development of weapons and are not directed to peaceful purposes. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal to the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason) on 20th June.