§ 48. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister to what extent Her Majesty's Government have taken steps to facilitate contacts between British firms and those in Europe who have shown a desire to build the Calder Hall type of reactor; and what steps have been taken to help train scientists and engineers for Euratom.
§ The Prime MinisterHer Majesty's representatives overseas do everything in their power to keep British industry fully informed about developments and opportunities in the nuclear field. But contacts between British and foreign firms are usually established without the need for intervention by Her Majesty's Government.
As regards the second part of the Question, a high proportion of the places in the Harwell Reactor School and the Calder Reactor Operations School has been filled by students from the Euratom countries.
§ Mr. MasonWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for part of that reply, is he aware that the American Atomic Commission is forging ahead in making more concrete the alliances between Euratom and the Commission? Should not we be taking more positive steps in that direction?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I told the hon. Gentleman the other day, we are studying whether any further advance is necessary. When it comes to commercial arrangements, they tend to be decided on a commercial basis.