HC Deb 27 September 1949 vol 468 cc1-4
Mr. Churchill

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the development of the atom bomb by Russia.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. I do not think that it would be in the public interest to make any further statement at present beyond the announcement made on 23rd September.

Mr. Blackburn

May I ask the Prime Minister, first, whether his statement today in reply to the right hon. Gentleman implies that an atomic bomb has been made by Russia; secondly, whether, in view of the fact that it is clear that we have been outstripped by the Russians in the development of atomic energy, he will call for an immediate review of the whole of the atomic energy projects; and, thirdly, whether he will bear in mind that many people who are violently anti-Communist nevertheless feel that the present issue is so grave that President Truman and himself should not shrink from having a conference at the highest level with Stalin?

The Prime Minister

In reply to the first question, that is answered in the announcement made on 23rd September. The second question I do not think really arises. On the third question, we have already declared our policy. The matter is being discussed in America in the United Nations meeting and we made perfectly clear our policy that we believe there should be international control of atomic energy.

Mr. Churchill

The right hon. Gentleman, I presume, would be agreeable to this matter being discussed at some convenient time when we reassemble in a little while?

The Prime Minister

It on reflection it was considered useful, I should certainly be prepared to give that full consideration.

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask the Prime Minister whether in view of the sensational manner in which this disclosure was made and the general realisation that there is no real defence from the atom bomb other than destruction, he will support the proposal of the Soviet Union for the destruction of all atomic energy?

The Prime Minister

The matter and the attitudes of the various Governments concerned have been fully expressed. Great progress would be made if the Government of Soviet Russia would agree to international inspection.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the fact that the discovery of the atom bomb has largely made modem armaments obsolete, are the Government going into the whole question with a view to reconsidering the heavy burden of armaments expenditure?

The Prime Minister

The question of the atom weapon falls into its place with other considerations but, as I am advised, the fact of the existence of the atom bomb does not necessarily mean that all other weapons are obsolete.

Commander Noble

If, as suggested by my right hon. Friend, there is a Debate on this subject at a later date, could the Prime Minister give an assurance that every possible information will be laid before the House?

The Prime Minister

I am not prepared to give a reply of that kind. In this question we are working closely with the United States of America and with Canada. Obviously, the question of what disclosures of information are made must be a matter for consideration between Governments.

Mrs. Leah Manning

When my right hon. Friend says that inspection must take place, does he mean the destruction of atom bomb piles which exist at the moment?

The Prime Minister

I was dealing with the point of inspection.

Mr. Eric Fletcher

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the atomic energy establishments in this country work only normal Civil Service hours, and is he satisfied that our own research is being pushed forward with sufficient energy, in view of the apparently feverish development elsewhere?

The Prime Minister

I think that is an entirely different question. What hours a scientist can effectively work is a matter for consideration.

Mr. Blackburn

In regard to my first question, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend will re-examine the statement he issued, because that referred only to an atomic explosion which many people did not think necessarily implied that there was an atom bomb? Would he consider making a further statement whether, as the right hon. Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill) implied, it was in fact an atom bomb according to scientific information?

The Prime Minister

I am not prepared to give any further information at Late present moment.

Mr. E. L. Gandar Dower

In considering the suggestion of the Leader of the Opposition that we should have a meeting on the matter as soon as the House reassembles, could I suggest that that meeting should be held in secret, as it might be easier to allay the anxieties of hon. Members in that way?

Mr. Harold Davies

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Russian discovery has completely devalued the atom bomb? Secondly, is my right hon. Friend aware that whatever the Parliaments of America and Britain may say, the people of the world want some understanding about the position of the bomb and modern armaments?

The Prime Minister

Yes, I quite agree, but the whole point is that there are only certain countries where the people can make their voices effective.