HC Deb 23 July 1964 vol 699 c661
5. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what progress he has made in his conversations with the United States of America and other countries on the modification of the ban on the export of nuclear reactors for electricity generation to Eastern area countries.

The Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development and President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Edward Heath)

Discussions have been initiated with our allies on this subject. These discussions must remain confidential, but the matter is complex and will inevitably take time to resolve.

Mr. Digby

Whatever the respective merits of our type of reactor for power generation and the American reactor, can my right hon. Friend assure me that we shall be on an equal footing with the Americans with regard to any possible orders from Eastern Europe?

Mr. Heath

Of course, the basis on which the Eastern Socialist countries discuss these matters is one for them to decide. If my hon. Friend is referring to the question of restriction by agreement between the allies, then, of course, I can give him. that assurance.

Mr. Jay

Is there any ban upon the export of these reactors to Fascist countries?

Mr. Heath

Under the Cocom arrangements these are, of course, controlled.