§ 52. Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards reaching agreement on a comprehensive test ban treaty; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe negotiations on nuclear testing between the United States and Soviet Union appear to be making satisfactory progress towards their first goal: ratification of the 1974 threshold test ban treaty and the 1976 peaceful nuclear explosions treaty. The ultimate objective is the complete cessation of nuclear testing as part of an effective disarmament process. Our position on a comprehensive test ban was contained in the answer given on 27 June by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor): a comprehensive test ban remains a long-term goal; but we shall continue to rely for our security on a nuclear deterrent for the foreseeable future and that means a continuing requirement to conduct tests in order to ensure that our nuclear weapons remain effective and up to date.