§ 83. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent proposals he has received from the Soviet Government concerning the banning of nuclear tests by the big Powers, as a temporary measure, pending the negotiation of a generally acceptable agreement; the nature of his reply to this proposal; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 85. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will accept in principle the Soviet Government's official offer to Her Majesty's Government, announced on 26th March, to suspend hydrogen bomb tests, provided the British and United States Governments do likewise, and will propose immediate negotiations to conclude a partial agreement to this effect as a preliminary to a comprehensive disarmament agreement.
§ 90. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official 9W communication he has received from the Soviet Government concerning their latest proposals in respect of limiting atomic and hydrogen bomb tests and the production of nuclear weapons.
§ 97. Mr. Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent proposals he has received from the Soviet Government for the banning of hydrogen bomb tests.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe Soviet Government have recently proposed that there should be a temporary suspension of tests for a fixed period. There will no doubt be occasion for Her Majesty's Government to comment on the proposals in the Disarmament Sub-Committee. As hon. Members know, meetings of this Committee are in private and I cannot give details. The Soviet proposals do not, however, appear to offer any real advance on the previous Soviet position. Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to agree to the suspension or abolition of tests except under proper safeguards and effective international control as part of a general disarmament agreement.