46. Mr. Pearlasked the Prime Minister if he will initiate discussions with Commonwealth Governments on the need to create a Commonwealth atomic energy organisation.
§ The Prime MinisterCo-operation with Commonwealth countries in atomic energy matters is already so close and continuous that I do not think there would be any advantage in creating any formal organisation. I am not aware of a desire for any such organisation on the part of other members of the Commonwealth. We have, however, invited all Commonwealth Governments to send delegates to an informal meeting of Commonwealth nuclear scientists in the United Kingdom this September as foreshadowed in Command Paper 237 last year.
§ Mr. PeartWhile I welcome an informal meeting of scientists on this matter in September, may I ask whether the Prime Minister agrees that if European countries can create a formal organisation like Euratom, with which we may be associated, there is surely a need for a formal arrangement for a Commonwealth organisation, and that many people feel that such an organisation would have tremendous influence in the world, not only for developing atomic energy but in the wider sphere of Commonwealth organisation?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir; but I should not like to deal with what we might discuss at Montreal. Up to now it has been the tradition of the Commonwealth to deal informally and not to set up these formal bodies. That may change and we may end by setting up some of these bodies, but I will certainly consider what the hon. Member has said.
§ Mr. MasonTaking first things first, is not there an urgent need to initiate 238 discussions with Euratom immediately in view of the United States' Euratom agreement issued this morning? Secondly, why have we been lagging so lamentably behind the United States with all our experience in nuclear reactor production for electricity, so that the Americans have been able to step in and capture this European market with a £120 million programme?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member has succeeded in a supplementary question in raising an entirely different question and altogether misrepresenting it.
§ Mr. ChetwyndDoes not the agreement between the United States and Euratom point to the value of having a specific international organisation to deal with this problem? Might not we use that experience with the Commonwealth to avoid being pushed out there by the United States?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. Glad as I am to find the hon. Member rallying to the Commonwealth, that is not really a question which arises from the original Question.