HC Deb 07 December 1955 vol 547 c375
32. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state the terms of the financial arrangements under which Belgium agrees to supply the United Kingdom with uranium ore.

Mr. Turton

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the uranium ore which the United Kingdom obtains from the Belgian Congo is purchased through the Combined Development Agency. It is not in the national interest to disclose financial arrangements made between the Combined Development Agency and its uranium suppliers.

Mr. Rankin

Can the Under-Secretary tell me, in view of the fact that the agreement is made with Belgium, why financial arrangements cannot be made through the European Payments Union, instead of through the United States, so involving us in the payment of scarce dollars?

Mr. Turton

The hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The United Kingdom does not pay in dollars for Belgian Congo uranium procured through the Combined Development Agency for use in this country.

Mr. Rankin

Why did not the right hon. Gentleman's noble Friend say that last week?