§ 50. Mr. Blackburnasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what types of research the German atomic scientists, Professors Hahn and Heisenberg, are engaged; and what are the conditions on which they are working.
§ Mr. J. HyndThese scientists are not at present engaged on any type of research.
§ Mr. BlackburnCan the Minister say whether any discussions, at Control Council level, have taken place since the publication of the results of their research?
§ Mr. HyndI do not know to what research the hon. Member is referring. They are not engaged on research in Germany, and, as far as the Control Council is concerned, a law has been passed on the question of atomic research which prohibits applied nuclear fission in Germany. These particular individuals are not engaged on that particular type of research and have no facilities for that research at the moment.
§ Mr. BlackburnDo I understand that it is not the intention of the Government that they should be engaged in any form of nuclear research?
§ Mr. HyndI cannot say any more than that the law has been passed laying down what kind of research can and cannot be pursued in Germany. That is under the control of the zone Commander, and any form of research that may be authorised will have to be approved by the zone Commander. Beyond that, I do not see what more there is to say.
§ Mr. W. ShepherdWill the Minister tell the House whether, in view of the offers alleged to have been made, any scientists 24 from the British zone have gone to the Russian zone of Germany to work on atomic energy?