HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1135-6
Q4. Mr. Short

asked the Prime Minister what review of security arrangements he has ordered as a consequence of the recent evidence on security concerning the atomic reactor in H.M.S. "Dreadnought", details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central.

The Prime Minister

None, Sir. The security of H.M.S. "Dreadnought" has not been compromised nor are her security arrangements unsatisfactory.

Mr. Short

Yes, but is the Prime Minister aware that, much as I dislike his Government, I am not trying to embarrass him on this question? Is he not aware of the importance of the allegations made on 2nd June by Senator Clinton Anderson, which have just been revealed, and which should be cleared up; allegations in which he said that American secrets of submarine nuclear propulsion had gone from this country to Russia? Would the Prime Minister be a bit more forthcoming about that, and say whether the Radcliffe Committee has yet reported to him and, if so, whether it has considered this specific matter?

The Prime Minister

There are three parts to that supplementary question. First, much as he may dislike me, I do not dislike him at all.

Mr. Short

I did not say that.

The Prime Minister

Me and my colleagues. I do not dislike him or his colleagues at all. On the second part, there was no evidence at all. On the contrary, the hon. Gentleman sent me a Press report consisting of a denial by the United States authorities of an assumption made by the United States senator in question. On the third part, I hope to make a statement before Christmas after considering the Report of the Radcliffe Committee. I will be in touch with the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition as to the best moment for making that statement.