§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the dates, yield and weapon tested for each nuclear weapon test carried out by the United Kingdom since 1970.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe United Kingdom, jointly with the United States of America, has conducted 14 nuclear weapons tests since 1970. They have all been conducted underground at the Nevada test site and were announced at the time. The following list detail dates, yield range and event name. The tests were required in order to maintain the effectiveness of our nuclear capabilities. It is not in the national interest to identify the specific purpose of each test.
Joint United Kingdom/United States Underground Nuclear Tests Conducted Since 1970 Date Yield (Kilotons) Event Name 23 May 1974 20–200 Fallon 26 August 1976 20–150 Banon 11 April 1978 20–150 Fondutta 18 November 1978 20–150 Quargel 29 August 1979 20–150 Nessel 26 April 1980 20–150 Colwick 24 October 1980 Low (less than 20) Dutches 17 December 1980 20–150 Serpa 12 November 1981 20–150 Rousanne 25 April 1982 20–150 Gibne 22 April 1983 Low (less than 20) Armada 1 May 1984 20–150 Mundo 9 December 1984 20–150 Egmont 5 December 1985 20–150 Kinibito
§ Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether Her Majesty's Government have now started discussions with the Australian Government on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on nuclear tests;
(2) what action Her Majesty's Government are taking on recommendation 6 of the report of the Australian Royal Commission into British nuclear tests, relating to the clearing up of Maralinga, Emu and the Monte Bello islands;
(3) if he will now make a statement on the report of the Australian Royal Commission on nuclear tests.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang).