HC Deb 25 June 1957 vol 572 cc5-6W
56. Mr. Brockway

asked the Prime Minister what report has been received from Japan of a radioactive fall-out from the first British hydrogen bomb test on 15th May. 1957.

The Prime Minister

No approach has been made to Her Majesty's Government by the Japanese Government on this question, although I am aware that statements have issued from various sources in Japan.

61. Mr. Beswick

asked the Prime Minister what was the number of detonations originally intended for the series of nuclear weapons tests from Christmas Island; how many detonations have now been completed; and what changes have been made in the original programme, and why.

The Prime Minister

I can say no more than that the programme for the series has always been flexible and it was found possible to limit the number of detonations to three.

62. Dr. Stross

asked the Prime Minister whether he has noted the new official proposals made by Mr. Khrushchey on 13th June for the establishment of inspection posts for the detection of atomic and hydrogen bomb tests; and whether he will approach the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with a view to further examination of this proposal.

63. Mr. Parkin

asked the Prime Minister whether, following Mr. Khrushchev's official statement that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics would agree to the establishment of inspection posts on Soviet territory, he will instruct the United Kingdom delegate to the United Nations Disarmament Sub-Committee to propose the acceptance of this offer as a basis for negotiations for the abolition of nuclear weapon tests.

The Prime Minister

Her Majesty's Government welcome the advance represented by Soviet acceptance of the principle of control over any suspension of nuclear tests. Together with the other Western members of the Disarmament Sub-Committee, we are considering this development and its relation to other elements of a first stage disarmament agreement. We are hopeful that we shall be able to work out a joint proposal which will open the way to concrete progress.