§ 50. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Prime Minister whether a decision has yet been reached about whether this country will join Euratom.
§ The Prime MinisterTo join Euratom would pose great difficulties for us without necessarily increasing the amount of practical co-operation between the United Kingdom and the six member countries. This co-operation is proceeding in other ways; by bilateral agreements, by our membership of the European Nuclear Energy Agency, and of the European Council for Nuclear Research.
§ Mr. HyndIs it not regrettable that some way cannot be found for us to be more closely associated with Euratom? Has the Prime Minister noticed that only in the last few days a new agreement between Euratom and the United States Government has been signed? Does not that mean that there is a danger of our being left out in the cold?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. Of course, these are very balanced arguments, but on the whole this system of trying to operate directly with the agencies of Euratom is probably most satisfactory.
§ Mr. GaitskellIs it intended that we should have observers at the Euratom Council in the same way as we have with the Coal and Steel Community?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a matter for consideration and it is being discussed with Euratom and with O.E.E.C.