§ 22. Dr. Strossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he will make arrangements, after the Easter Recess, for the Medical Director of the Radiobiological Research Unit at Harwell to address Members of both Houses of Parliament on the research he is conducting on the effects upon the reproductive cells of mice exposed to radiation; and whether the work done has yet reached the stage at which publication would now be helpful.
§ Mr. BevinsNo, Sir. The proper channel for the transmission of information of this character to Parliament is through the responsible Minister.
§ Dr. StrossWould the Parliamentary Secretary tell me who is the responsible Minister in this case? Is there any reason why this gentleman should not come and speak to Members of the House of Commons, to Members of both Houses of Parliament, so that we can get all the facts established? Is he not further aware that there is a growing suspicion that the Government are rather anxious to suggest that there is no specific possible danger of any kind, whatever is going on, and that that really cannot be the truth at all?
§ Mr. BevinsI can assure the hon. Member that there is no intention on the part of the Government to conceal information from the House, but perhaps he would be good enough to await the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is giving to a relevant Question later today.
§ Mr. StracheyDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary think that the fact that there is much conflict of evidence, as he suggests, on this matter is an overwhelming case for a much more comprehensive inquiry?
§ Mr. BevinsI am not suggesting that there is any conflict of evidence at all. I suggested that there has been a misunderstanding.