HC Deb 07 July 1947 vol 439 cc1773-4
14. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent discussions of the Atomic Energy Commission with the U.S.S.R.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)

In accordance with the resolution of the Security Council of 10th March last, the Atomic Energy Commission have continued their attempts to reconcile existing differences of view, and to work out the details which had not been considered in the interim report submitted by them to the Security Council on 31st December, 1946. Although, as a result, a number of outstanding problems have now been discussed, little or no progress has been made in respect of the remaining points of disagreement. Nevertheless, His Majesty's Government consider that they should continue to try to widen the field over which agreement has been obtained, in the hope of resolving remaining points of difference.

Colonel Hutchison

Does this mean that the conversations between the two parties are, in fact, continuing?

Mr. Mayhew

These are not bilateral conversations. These are the discussions in the Atomic Energy Commission.

Major Bruce

In view of the importance of the question, would my hon. Friend consider publishing as a White Paper the efforts that have been made so far by His Majesty's Government to obtain agreement on this very important topic?

Mr. Mayhew

I will consider that.

Mr. Beswick

Would my hon. Friend also consider having in the Library copies of the proceedings as a report? It is very difficult to follow this matter from the very garbled reports which appear in the Press.

Mr. Mayhew

I will certainly look into that, too.