Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston

HC Deb 07 March 1956 vol 549 cc2103-5

47. Mr. Sparks

asked the Lord Privy Seal the cost of the arrangements made by the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston, for the reception and visit by the Prime Minister to that establishment last year.

Mr. R A. Butler

This is a matter of day-to-day administration by the Authority, which is not the responsibility of my noble Friend. The Authority has informed him, however, that the total cost of the arrangements made in connection with the Prime Minister's visit was about £100.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to my information more than a hundred men were engaged for many days in moving a large quantity of stores out of a hangar which was then painted and decorated in order that the Prime Minister could speak there, and that afterwards the same number of men was employed for many days in putting all the stores back again? In view of the fact that a canteen was already in existence at the establishment, is not this expenditure—which is estimated to amount to £4,000—a waste of the taxpayers' money?

Mr. Butler

The Government are not prepared to interfere with the actual detailed administration of the Authority, but as some very exaggerated figures have been given with regard to the costs of the Prime Minister's visit—one report referred to £5,000 being spent—I thought it wise to obtain from the Authority what, in its opinion, was the approximate cost—and I have given it to the House. I will go into the details given to me by the hon. Gentleman, but, as far as I know, I have given the best figure which can be obtained in relation to this matter.

Mr. Sparks

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again, because on the same day the Prime Minister went to Harwell where not nearly the same amount of expenditure was involved.

Mr. Butler

It all depends upon the administration of the Authority and the nature of the paint required for such an occasion.

48. Mr. Sparks

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that the Vine Hunt recently hired the canteen at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston, at a charge of £50; that 500 persons of mixed nationality attended the ball, the price of each ticket being £3; that the staff of the establishment were directed to make special and extraordinary arrangements for the ball, causing discontent among some sections of them; and if he will take steps, on security and other grounds, to prohibit the use of this canteen by outside bodies and persons who have no official connection with the research establishment.

Mr. R. A. Butler

My noble Friend is satisfied that this and similar occasional lettings of the canteen at Aldermaston have involved no risk to security; the other matters raised concern the administration of the Authority, with which my noble Friend, as Lord President, is not, under the Act, normally concerned.

Mr. Sparks

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman condones a situation in which an organisation of this kind can reap an income of £1,500 from the use of an establishment's canteen for which it pays £50 and also agrees that one of the head administrative officers should be charged with the duty of making arrangements for such a ball as this in official time? Cannot such a high official be found more useful work than organising arrangements for a hunt ball in the establishment?

Mr. Butler

I think it is more important that the security arrangements should not be affected. I am satisfied that the arrangements for a security fence on an occasion such as this are such that security is not affected by the letting of the canteen for a function of this sort. I am also satisfied that it would be a mistake not to allow the Authority—or for the Authority not: to allow itself—to permit functions of this sort to be held. I can see nothing particularly vicious in a hunt ball.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to my information unauthorised persons have gained admittance to this establishment despite all the security arrangements about which he talks? Is he aware that this has been done as a result of wagers and bets?

Mr. Butler

That is a very important supplementary question, and I think the hon. Member should give me notice of it so that the importance of it can be brought to the Authority's notice.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Are we to take it from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that any organisation can book these premises? Can he say whether any additional expenditure is incurred in respect of making the security arrangements more effective upon occasions of this kind?

Mr. Butler

I understand that the security fence, as it is called, is so arranged that by a system of gates the canteen can be shut off on such occasions, so I presume—although I do not know all the details of the matter—that no further expense is involved.