Commons Debate On A-Bombs Test Ban

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28552, 3 April 1958, Page 13

Commons Debate On A-Bombs Test Ban

LONDON, April 1. The Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) said today that any formal British statement about Russia’s decision to stop nuclear tests must wait until Britain had consulted her allies and partners. But he told the House of Commons he had noted that the Russian announcement was “timed to come after the completion of an extensive and accelerated series oi Russian tests.” It also came “just before a series of American tests already announced by the United States Government and when the current series of British tests was not completed." The Prime Minister said: “We have long been anxious, as our proposals have shown, to negotiate an agreement on disarmament which will include arrangements for the ending or suspension of tests under proper conditions, at a suitable date and with agreement on an inspection system.” Mr Macmillan said the British Government, with other Western Powers, suggested as Ion) ago as July the setting up of an expert committee to work out the inspection system. "That offer has been frequently repeated since and still stands,” he added. The Leader of the Labour Opposition (Mr Hugh Gaitskell) urged a positive and not a negative response to the Russian proposal. There was a general feeling that Britain should indicate her Willingness to suspend tests and

propose immediate talks with the Russians on the controls needed to check them. Mr Macmillan replied: “1 do not think it would be cynical to say that the precise timing of this affair is a matter than cannot be altogether disregarded.” Labour’s chief foreign affairs spokesman (Mr Aneurin Bevan), urged the, Prime Minister to act with a little more moral courage and accept the Russian offer to stop tests. The Prime Minister said: “I am as anxious to advance as any other member of this House, but I am anxious it should be properly negotiated, properly tied up, and be effective without endangering our own security. As for moral courage, the House must judge.”