§ 51. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the official statement of President Eisenhower that the United States of America must adopt a co-operative attitude towards its allies on the matter of exchange of atomic information; and whether he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the exchange of atomic information.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerYes, Sir. Her Majesty's Government, as always, would welcome any exchange of information on atomic matters provided it takes place on a fully reciprocal basis.
§ Mr. HendersonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this exchange of information had been made possible in the last few years, many millions of pounds would have been saved by both countries which, in the absence of such co-operation, have had to be expended on research, material and so on?
§ Mr. ButlerWe have had a certain amount of collaboration up to date. I do not think I can go further than my answer in the present situation.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussMay I ask, in view of that statement, if a formal approach has been made to the American Government on this matter or whether it is to be left in the air awaiting other action?
§ Mr. ButlerI have no doubt that this Question and answer will have the effect the right hon. Gentleman desires.