§ 49. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister how many hydrogen bomb test explosions Her Majesty's Government proposes to make in 1958; and what consultations he will have with other heads of Governments before making them.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
I have no statement to make on this subject at present.
§ 50. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister what is the latest information in Her Majesty's Government's possession about the total number of hydrogen bombs which have been experimentally exploded; and if he will make a further statement on the dangers to mankind which have accumulated as a result of these explosions.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have been asked to reply.
It would be contrary to public interest to publish our estimate of the total number of Soviet explosions, since to do so would reveal information about the effectiveness of our Intelligence services.
With regard to the second part of the Question. I have nothing to add to the statements by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 1st April, 1957, and subsequently.