HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 c701
46. Mr. R. J. Mellish

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the intended visit of Ministers to Australia to view the intended atomic energy experiment in that country.

The Prime Minister

No Ministers will be visiting Australia to view the test of the United Kingdom's atomic weapon there.

Mr. Mellish

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how glad we all are to hear that?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will the Prime Minister invite a delegation of the Christian churches, headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, to see the explosion of this infernal machine and to report progress?

The Prime Minister

I am not quite sure about that. Anyhow, as the whole of the preparations were made by the right hon. Gentleman opposite, when he was Prime Minister, perhaps the hon. Member for Ayrshire, South (Mr. Emrys Hughes), would ascertain from him whether he desires a delegation of Christian churches to examine the infernal machine, for which he has accepted responsibility.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

On a point of order. In view of the complete evasiveness of that answer, and owing to the fact that I was no more responsible for the last Government than the Prime Minister was responsible for Mr. Neville Chamberlain, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.