§ 15. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply if he will give facilities for hon. Members to visit the Bacteriological Research Station at Porton similar to those which were given to hon. Members to visit the Atomic Research Station at Harwell.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that in recent diplomatic documents, including those signed in Paris and in London, there were frequent references to biological weapons, including toxic substances and insects, and does he not think that Members of the House of Commons have a right to know something about these weapons?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think the work carried out at this establishment is such that it could very easily be demonstrated to Members of Parliament.
§ Captain DuncanIs it possible at this station to deposit bees in bonnets?
§ Dr. SummerskillCould the Minister say whether his answer includes Members with scientific qualifications?
§ 16. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply, in view of the undertaking given by Dr. Adenauer that the manufacture of biological weapons, and the research into the use of harmful insects, or other living or dead organisms or their toxic products for war purposes will not be allowed in Germany, if he 757 will give a similar undertaking that these biological weapons will not be manufactured or purchased by his Department.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister think that this reticence is hiding something? [Laughter.] If hon. Members think that spreading typhus and cholera is funny, other people do not. In view of Dr. Adenauer's statement at the Paris Conference, does the Minister not think that this Government should be as civilised as Dr. Adenaeur?
§ Mr. LloydI think the position in this matter was well stated by Mr. A. V. Alexander, as he then was, in 1948:
The possibility that bacteria may be used in a future war is not being overlooked. Researches are being conducted so that we may be ready to meet any situation which may arise."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th June, 1948, Vol. 451, c. 2166.]Everything done at this establishment is purely for defensive purposes.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, among all the great nations in the world, the only one which has not ratified the Geneva Convention prohibiting the use of these weapons is the United States? Are we to infer from his answer that he is afraid——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The Minister cannot be responsible for the action of the United States.
§ Mr. SilvermanI hope that by the time I have finished my Question, Mr. Speaker, you and the Minister will appreciate its purpose. In view of the fact which I have stated, are we to take it from the Minister's previous answer that we are maintaining the research station in case of an attack from that quarter?
§ Mr. SilvermanWhere is it from?