§ 95. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number and names of those countries who have appealed to this country to desist from any further tests with the hydrogen bomb; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe Japanese Government have asked Her Majesty's Government to suspend the tests planned for this summer. My right hon. and learned Friend has not received an appeal from any other Government about these tests.
Her Majesty's Government will continue their efforts to secure a comprehensive disarmament agreement covering nuclear and conventional disarmament. In the absence of such an agreement, however, it is essential that we should protect our vital defence interests by manufacturing nuclear weapons. These 46W are the most powerful existing deterrent to a major war. Tests are an indispensable part of their manufacture.