HC Deb 03 February 1958 vol 581 cc809-11
45. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Prime Minister what financial contribution is being made by members of the Commonwealth to this country to finance the research into thermo-nuclear energy.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

None, Sir.

Mr. Roberts

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is as well for the Commonwealth to share in our triumphs as well as our disappointments, which would be the case if they made some financial contribution?

Mr. Butler

I understand that we have already had the benefit of the help of some members of the Commonwealth working for the Atomic Energy Authority. The hon. Member probably also realises that no other Commonwealth country, as far as we are aware, is engaged upon this work. In the circumstances, I do not think we can expect a contribution.

46. Mr. W. R. Williams

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will favourably consider an offer made by Belle Vue, Limited, Manchester, to make available unlimited space, free of charge, for a Zero Energy Thermonuclear Assembly exhibition during the British Fair of Industry and Commerce in July.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

No, Sir. The organisation of such an exhibition would be the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Authority, and I am informed that its available resources for organising exhibitions this year are already fully committed.

Mr. Williams

Does not that seem to be a very unimaginative reply? In the first place, does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that at the European Fair held in Hanover last year the most attractive exhibit was the British nuclear exhibit—a film—of which all the people attending that fair were loud in their praises? Here is a greater achievement. Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he owes it to the people of this country to let them see, in practice, the tremendous achievements of our scientists, technicians and engineers, especially in north-west Lancashire? Will not he reconsider the position?

Mr. Butler

This is a matter which is left to the day-to-day conduct of its affairs by the Authority, but the Authority is undertaking a number of major exhibits—at the Fuel Efficiency Exhibition, in London; the Brussels International Exhibition; the Hanover Trade Fair, and the Geneva Conference of the United Nations on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. It is not that the Authority does not want to go to Manchester, but that it is always very fully committed.

Mr. Williams

In view of the fact that the bulk of the work upon this new development was done by Metro-Vickers in Manchester, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that there ought to be some priority for north-west Lancashire in a matter of this kind?

Mr. Butler

I do not think I can go further without trespassing upon the ground normally cared for by the Authority, but I feel sure that it will pay attention to the observations made by the hon. Member.