HC Deb 05 December 1949 vol 470 cc1507-8
12. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Supply how many atomic piles are now operating in this country.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Two, Sir.

Commander Noble

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement on this subject, so that we can have a little more information as to the direction in which our research is moving?

Mr. Strauss

I do not think it would be wise to give much information.

Mr. Blackburn

In view of the promise made by the Minister's predecessor, two years ago, that periodical reports would be given to the House on this matter, and the fact that it has been stated in the newspapers that work on the third atomic pile has been stopped, can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the project is proceeding with as much expedition as possible?

Mr. Strauss

I can give that assurance.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the colossal amount of money already spent on atomic energy in this country, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public want to know whether we have the atom bomb or not?

Sir W. Smithers

So does Russia.

Mr. Hughes

Could the Minister tell us whether there is any security reason which prevents the people of this country from knowing as much about the atom bomb as people in the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A.?

Mr. Strauss

That question is very wide of the one which is on the Order Paper.