HC Deb 11 November 1952 vol 507 c762
46. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister how far the recent experiments culminating in the explosion of the British atom bomb at Monte Bello have provided data of other than exclusive military significance.

The Prime Minister

I am advised that the explosion enabled us to determine accurately certain nuclear constants whose precise values will be useful in future work on the civil uses of atomic energy.

Mr. Bellenger

Has the Prime Minister observed that in the United States civil industry is being linked up with some of the atomic research? Is it not possible for greater information, without prejudice of course to the security of the country, to be given to industry in this country so that we shall be able to develop eventually as fast as America?

The Prime Minister

That is only remotely connected with the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. de Freitas

Since the current Civil Defence manual on this subject deals exclusively with the 1945 Hiroshima type of bomb, will the Prime Minister ensure that the Home Secretary publishes an up-to-date manual showing the methods of Civil Defence and the precautions that can be taken to minimise the dangers that would result from the use of this type of atomic bomb?

The Prime Minister

All these matters will be carefully studied and considered.