HC Deb 07 December 1955 vol 547 cc366-7
28. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many technicians will be released from Harwell to aid in the promotion of atomic development in the Middle East.

Mr. Turton

The precise form of our assistance will naturally depend on consultations with other members of the Bagdad Pact.

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that atoms, like gunpowder, can be used for war as well as for peace? In view of the offer which has been made to Jordan, will a similar offer be made to Israel to preserve the balance in the Middle East—as the Prime Minister has indicated he wants to do?

Mr. Turton

I do not quite understand the reference to Jordan. The Question deals with the Bagdad Pact.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. Does it not cover the Middle East?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Rankin) seems to think that raising a point of order enables him to ask another supplementary question. That is not so.