HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 cc927-8
32. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements have been made with the U.S.A.A.F. for the pooling of the results of research and the common study of tactics.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 27th January.

Mr. Warbey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a statement has been made by an authoritative spokesman of the American Army Air Force that such arrangements have been made for the pooling of the results of research and the study of tactics, and will he either confirm or deny this report?

Mr. Noel-Baker

This is a matter of general principle upon which statements of general principle have been made by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Lord President of the Council. I do not think it would be right for me to add to those statements today.

Mr. Warbey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is not a question of general principle, but that it is a question of detailed arrangements, and can he say whether such detailed arrangements have been made or are contemplated between his Department and the United States Army Air Force?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The arrangements that we have made with the American Air Force are those which have arisen out of the war and, as has been explained by the Prime Minister, they are arrangements which we would be glad to make on a reciprocal basis with any other Ally. I hope that will satisfy my hon. Friend.

Mr. Scollan

Why cannot we get the same information as America?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Because a great deal of information published—

Mr. Speaker rose.