§ 46. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister to what extent American observers will be allowed to witness the atom bomb tests in Australia, in view of the presence of British observers at the atomic experiments at Bikini; and to what extent arrangements have been made to exchange reports of atom bomb experiments with the United States Government.
§ The Prime MinisterNo arrangements have been made for American observers to witness the test of the United Kingdom atomic weapon. The United States Government is prevented by existing domestic legislation from exchanging reports on atomic weapons with other countries. I should, of course, be very willing to consider any proposals which the United States Government might make for closer collaboration in the future.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister satisfied that sufficient security precautions are being taken to prevent a leakage of these secrets to America? Does he not think, in view of the fact that America has so many atom bombs, that it is a waste of good money to do this in this half-hearted way without coordinated relations with the United States?
§ The Prime MinisterThat point has no connection with the Question on the Order Paper.