§ 47. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that there is an urgent need for a stronger association between this country and Euratom, other than direct membership; and whether he will 776 consider the question of a joint working party between the Atomic Energy Authority and Euratom.
§ The Prime MinisterWe are anxious to co-operate with Western European countries in atomic energy work and we choose the form of co-operation which we believe to be best suited to the circumstances. We have bilateral agreements with five of the Six Euratom countries, and are studying the question of our future relationship with Euratom itself. I do not think that the working party suggested by the hon. Gentleman would help at this stage.
§ Mr. MasonIs not it a fact that Her Majesty's Government have no direct official link with Euratom at any level whatsoever, and yet, at the same time, the Americans have formed a general working party with Euratom and have recognised it at diplomatic level? Would not it be advisable for the Government to take some positive steps in this direction to safeguard our atomic energy prospects in Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterYes. That is why we made these bilateral agreements with all the countries except Luxembourg of the six countries concerned. We have also, of course, the association under the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation which set up the European Nuclear Energy Agency, which includes both ourselves and the six countries. I will certainly consider sympathetically whether a further step can make our association even more complete.