HL Deb 24 June 1993 vol 547 c13WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the further nuclear tests they wish to carry out in Nevada are categorised primarily as related to safety or to development, having regard to the distinction between the two purposes acknowledged by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey [H.L. Deb. col. 282, 26th May 1993], and whether they have provided the United States authorities with details of these purposes.

Viscount Cranborne

Our plans for using any further testing opportunities at Nevada are focused on completing work on important safety-related technologies, and on acquiring and consolidating valuable data and experience. This would leave us better prepared for a subsequent test ban and for the assurance of the highest levels of stockpile safety and reliability over time in the absence of tests. Our testing in Nevada is conducted under the 1958 agreement in t he closest co-operation with the US authorities.