§ 45. Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied with the technical collaboration agreement existing between the United Kingdom and Euratom; what progress has been made by the two atomic energy authorities in promoting a closer understanding, and exchange of atomic energy information; and whether he will now consider a closer relationship with Euratom.
§ Mr. ProfumoAs I informed the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Peart) yesterday, I am satisfied that the Agreement of February, 1959, provides the basis for fruitful technical collaboration between the United Kingdom and Euratom. The Continuing Committee for Co-operation, on which my noble Friend the Minister for Science and the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Authority represent the United Kingdom, has had a useful first meeting and there have been valuable exchanges of information in the Joint Working Group of officials of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and the Euratom Commission and at meetings of experts on specific subjects.
As regards the last part of the Question, we have made it plain that we will be ready to consider anew the proposal that Britain should join Euratom as part of a wider settlement in Europe.