§ Q1. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister whether he will propose to President Kennedy the formation of a joint scientific research team to study aspects of disarmament, including methods of detecting underground tests.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)We are of course always looking for ways of making progress with disarmament. But I doubt whether the setting up of formal machinery to cover, one area of consultation and joint effort could give better results than the present system of frequent and intimate exchanges between the Americans and ourselves. These cover the problem in all its aspects, and ensure that the results of research done in the United States and here are co-ordinated.
§ Mrs. CastleBut if we are in earnest in wanting to achieve an all-embracing test ban, ought not the Western Governments to be inviting scientists to contribute ideas as to how underground tests can be more effectively detected, and is it not really a scandalous state of affairs that a prominent seismologist like Professor Don Leet, the seismologist in charge at Harvard University, cannot get his ideas tested either by his own Government or by Her Majesty's Government?
§ The Prime MinisterWell, the question is simply the best machinery for the purpose. At present our scientists are in the closest co-operation with American scientists, and share all the results of our research and there are frequent meetings and almost constant consultation. I do not think that the setting up of a research team which would have to be permanently in Washington or London would assist the work. A good deal of the work of our scientists is done here and their results shared, and vice versa.
§ Mrs. CastleWill the right hon. Gentleman approach President Kennedy and find out how the ideas of this eminent seismologist could at least be examined and tested? Surely we should leave no stone unturned in order to get a test ban?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these matters are inquired into, but I think it is my 1398 duty to co-ordinate the work of British scientists and not that of American scientists.