HC Deb 11 June 1951 vol 488 cc1661-2
45. Mr. Braine

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the public interest, he will cause to be published a full report on the damage done to the security of this country by Communist agents such as Fuchs and Nunn May.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. It would be wrong to make public the full extent of our knowledge in these cases, and, therefore, I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to publish such a report on this matter. I have no doubt that the public is already aware that Communist agents, such as Fuchs and Nunn May, have done very grievous damage to this country.

Mr. Braine

Is the Prime Minister aware that the United States and Canadian Governments have already published very full reports on this subject? Can he tell the House how it is that the North American people can be told of the damage done by, in some cases, people of British nationality, but that the British public are kept ill-informed? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that one cannot fail to draw the conclusion that the Government have something to conceal?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member now seems to be more concerned in a party interest than in a public interest. He is no doubt aware that these scientists were taken on, not under this Government, but under another Government.

Mr. Gammans

Can the Prime Minister assure the House that there are no other people in possession of this secret information who are likely to do the same as these two people did?

The Prime Minister

How on earth can anybody know that? No one can be absolutely certain at any time that someone may not have information which he might possibly give away. All we can say is that the utmost care is taken with regard to every individual employed.

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Canadian Government published some documents of very considerable interest and information, and also of warning, which I think would be useful? Would he consider doing something on those lines?

The Prime Minister

I will certainly consider that, but the right hon. Gentleman will realise that to state exactly what our atomic knowledge was, what the atomic knowledge of these particular individuals was, and what we imagined—because we cannot know—was the atomic knowledge in the possession of Soviet Russia, would be a very difficult thing, and might result in our giving away information which we do not wish to give away.

46. Mr. John Arbuthnot

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consult with the United States authorities with a view to arranging for the publication in this country, as a White Paper or otherwise, of the official report on "Soviet Atomic Espionage," issued by the United States Joint Committee on Atomic Energy.

47. Mr. Reader Harris

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for a copy of the United States Government's report entitled "Soviet Atomic Espionage" to be placed in the Library of the House.

The Prime Minister

The document entitled "Soviet Atomic Espionage" was not published by, or on the authority of, the United States Administration, but was prepared by the staff of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy at the request of their chairman. I do not think that its publication by His Majesty's Government, whether as a White Paper or otherwise, would be appropriate. I will, however, arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House. I wish to make it clear that I do not necessarily accept all the statements made in this document.

Mr. Harris

Is the Prime Minister aware that this document contains criticisms of our security arrangements, and that, quite apart from any party consideration, the House would like to know just how far they are correct, and, if they are incorrect, to have a categorical denial?

The Prime Minister

That would not be effected by publishing a White Paper. Quite the contrary.