HC Deb 13 December 1948 vol 459 cc827-8
40. Mr. W. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Supply how long the principal scientific officer at the Atomic Energy Establishment at Harwell was employed by his Department before his engagement was terminated in accordance with the Prime Minister's statement of 15th March, 1948.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)

This officer was employed at Harwell from 1st May, 1947, to 20th April, 1948.

Mr. Shepherd

Is the Minister then telling the House that, despite the 10 years' sentence on a Communist scientist passed a short time ago, his Ministry made no attempt to "vet" applicants for these most important positions?

Mr. Strauss

As the hon. Member knows, the Government's policy in this respect was announced in March of this year. Prior to then there was no machinery for dealing with a case of this sort.

Mr. Shepherd

But surely the danger existed before that date; and was not it the duty of the Minister to take reasonable precautions?