HC Deb 11 February 1958 vol 582 cc204-5
45. Mr. Usborne

asked the Prime Minister if he will negotiate with the Italian Government to provide machinery for enforcement of the bilateral agreement signed by the Atomic Energy Authority and the Italian Government preventing the use of plutonium and other special nuclear materials for other than peaceful purposes.

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

I have been asked to reply.

The agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the Italian Government, which has been laid before the House, provides for Her Majesty's Government to have the rights of inspection and control necessary to ensure that the assistance given is used solely for the promotion of the peaceful uses of atomic energy. It is also provided that the two Governments shall consult with each other to determine in what respects and to what extent they wish to arrange for these safeguards to be administered by an international agency of which both Governments are members.

Mr. Usborne

As this is one of the early treaties and is likely to be taken as a prototype, would the Home Secretary tell the House how he imagines this sanction will be enforced and what happens if, say, Italy refuses to allow the inspectors entry into their country?

Mr. Butler

It is a case of awaiting the consultations and awaiting the development of the international organisation which has only just been established. Until we have experience of its establishment, we could not give an adequate answer to the hon. Member.