§ 47. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Prime Minister what precautions are being taken to ensure that civilian atomic plants being exported to Japan, Italy and other countries cannot be converted to produce military plutonium.
§ The Prime MinisterBoth Japan and Italy have signed agreements with Her Majesty's Government undertaking that the nuclear materials and equipment supplied will be used solely for peaceful purposes. The agreements contain provisions for inspection.
§ Mr. StonehouseWhy are the agreements with Japan, which were signed on 16th June, not to be published in this country until 1st July? What sanctions are there in the agreements to provide that this military plutonium is returned to this country?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I said, the agreements, which are rather complicated, provide for inspection. As for the reasons for the fourteen days' delay in publication, I am afraid I do not know them. If the hon. Member will put a Question on the Order Paper I will try to clear the matter up. Perhaps the documents were being translated.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerCan the Prime Minister say what kind of inspection is to be established? Is it to be under the International Atomic Energy Agency which was set up last year?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the right hon. Gentleman will put down a Question about the detailed agreements, I can make sure that I get the Answer correct.