§ 5. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider the setting up of a committee of inquiry into the possibilities of establishing a research centre on nuclear energy in West Africa.
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend is anxious that the Colonial Territories should share to the full the benefits of the peaceful application of nuclear energy, and training courses on nuclear subjects are available here for qualified people from West Africa. But the West African Governments have not proposed the establishment of a research centre, and probably feel, as I do, that there are at present more urgent tasks for their available financial resources.
§ Mr. MallalieuHas not the attention of Her Majesty's Government been brought to the statement of Professor Huntley, of Ghana University College department of physics, that this nuclear centre could be established at a cost of only £20,000 and maintained for £4,000? Does he think that West Africa can really afford to stand aside, apart from any facilities which may be offered in this country, from this sort of development?
§ Mr. ProfumoIf the hon. Gentleman reads my answer, he will see that it represents a balanced view of what my right hon. Friend feels should be the position.