§ 46. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister to what extent General Speidel and German military experts, visiting Britain, will be informed of atomic secrets; and if they will be allowed to visit factories engaged in work in connection with atomic energy, guided missiles and chemical and bacteriological research.
The Prune MinisterNo information will be imparted to the representatives of the Interim Committee of the European Defence Community on any of the subjects mentioned in the hon. Member's Question, nor will they visit factories concerned with them.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister aware of the report that this ex-General has been shown a vast range of what are supposed to be secret weapons, such as Centurion tanks? Will he give us an assurance, now that the German authorities are contemplating reconstructing the Luftwaffe and have announced that they are to make 3,000 jet planes, that this will not be allowed?
§ The Prime MinisterThe practice we are following carries us on perfectly correctly from the decisions taken by the late Government, the working of the European Defence Community, and the general study of the difficult situation in Europe. I do not propose to make any alteration that has not been agreed to by so many countries working together.
§ Mr. J. HyndCan the Prime Minister tell the House how much of our progress, particularly in regard to guided missiles, is due to work of German scientists?
§ The Prime MinisterI referred to that point in my answer. If the hon. Gentle- 31 man will read it he will see guided missiles especially mentioned. Nothing of this sort has been imparted at all.
§ Mr. HyndThe Prime Minister has misunderstood my question, which was whether he could say how much of our progress in work on guided missiles was due to the co-operation of German scientists.
§ The Prime MinisterIt may be so.The hon. Gentleman had special experience of the matter when he had a responsible position in regard to Germany.