HC Deb 03 May 1956 vol 552 cc590-1
42. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will now make such representations as may seem necessary to the Government of the United States of America so as to bring about the pooling of knowledge with regard to the design and production of guided missiles and weapons system.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

Arrangements already exist for the exchange of information between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States in the field of guided weapons. They are on the whole working well, but we miss no opportunity of further improvement.

Mr. Stokes

That is all very well, but is the Minister not perfectly well aware that there are restrictions on the exchange of information with regard to nuclear development, without which the production of guided missiles becomes futile? Does he not consider it absurd that we should find ourselves spending as much in competing with our friends as in defending ourselves against our enemies? Can the right hon. Gentleman not do something to achieve a pooling arrangement?

Mr. Maudling

There are certainly restrictions, as is well known, on the supply of information about nuclear warheads, but, nevertheless, the information that we obtain is of the very highest value.

Mr. Stokes

What is the use of a guided missile without a nuclear warhead?

Mr. Maudling

It is quite possible to design a warhead in one country and put it on a weapon built in another country.

Mr. Tomney

The Minister must be aware that there is great wastage of technical and scientific manpower and time in duplication between ourselves and the United States? Is he aware also that in our own country there is the same kind of wastage between Service Departments operating on the same projects for the same Services? Will he do something about it?

Mr. Maudling

I would not deny the existence of some wastage, but this is a problem to which we are giving the most urgent and serious attention.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Minister not aware that there is a considerable body of opinion in America which takes the same view as do my hon. and right hon. Friends and myself, that there should be greater pooling of information on the question of nuclear warheads? Will he do something about it? I want to know. It is no use for him to remain sitting down and saying nothing. What is he going to do about it?

Mr. Gaitskell

If the Minister is unable to think of an answer to that one, will he consider making a statement showing the degree of specialisation in weapons production which exists between America and ourselves and other N.A.T.O. countries?

Mr. Maudling

The right hon. Gentleman must realise that, in the interests of security, detailed statements of that kind would be quite impossible.