§ 53. Dr. Strossasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the rising incidence of leukaemia in many parts of the world where reliable statistics are available; and whether, in view of the increasing risks from this and other diseases which closely follow the explosion of nuclear weapons, he will suggest to General Eisenhower and Marshal Bulganin that a meeting be called for further discussions on the abolition of the tests.
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware that there has been an increase in the death rate from leukaemia over at least the last 25 years, but I understand that while it would be generally agreed that exposure to radiation is probably one factor causing this, the amount of external radiation due to fall out from nuclear test explosions forms a very small proportion of the radiation to which man is exposed from all sources. The House will be aware that various proposals on nuclear and conventional disarmament will be considered when the Disarmament Sub-Committee meets on 18th March.