HC Deb 20 June 1955 vol 542 c1012
13. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what facilities are given to the Ambassador and his staff in Moscow to inspect Soviet military aircraft and military aircraft factories.

Mr. Turton

Facilities for the inspection of military aircraft are limited to attendance at air displays. No facilities are given to Her Majestys' Ambassador or his staff to inspect Soviet military aircraft factories.

Mr. Hughes

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the remarkable speech made last week by his hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing), in which he referred to the tremendous progress Russia has made in solving scientific and production problems and said that it is due to Russia having given more attention to scientific education? Can the Joint Under-Secretary ask Her Majesty's Ambassador there whether that is true and if that is what is happening under Communism?

Mr. Turton

I think that my reply shows that the Ambassador does not enjoy facilities for inspecting Soviet military aircraft factories and would, therefore, not have an opportunity. I believe that Mr. Nehru quite recently did inspect one such factory, so perhaps the hon. Member might have a word with him to see if he confirms what was said by my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North.

Air Commodore Harvey

Can my hon. Friend tell the hon. Member opposite that the Russians had great assistance in research from the presentation of Rolls-Royce "Nene" engines?