HC Deb 02 July 1958 vol 590 cc1313-4
17. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government have made for the establishment by the International Atomic Energy Agency of the system of permanent inspection of nuclear plants to prevent the use of fissile material for military purposes, as provided in Article 12 of the Statute.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

It is for the Agency's Secretariat in the first instance to make proposals on the methods to be used in implementing the safeguard provisions in the Agency's Statute, but Her Majesty's Government will be glad to make available to them the fruits of our own technical studies on this subject.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Since we and other nations are now supplying nuclear reactors to Italy and many other nations, will not the whole purpose of the Statute of the Agency be frustrated unless action is taken very soon? As a member of the Agency, cannot Her Majesty's Government put forward practical proposals?

Mr. Lloyd

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman knows that the safeguard provisions in the Agency Statute were a compromise between those of the United Kingdom and the United States, who wanted strict safeguards, and those of the Soviet Union and India, who opposed strict safeguards. In the light of the compromise which has resulted in the Statute, I think we are wise to wait some time for the Agency itself to take the initiative.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the great urgency of this matter, is it not desirable that Her Majesty's Government should at least ensure that the Agency is taking some action and that work is going on?

Mr. Lloyd

Certainly, Sir; but, in order not to give a false impression so far as the Agency is concerned, I would point out that it will be some considerable time before any reactor can come into operation.