§ 29. Mr. Grimondasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the recent announcement by the Government of the United States of America on the exchange of information on nuclear development.
§ The Prime MinisterI presume that the hon. Member is referring to the draft agreement between the parties to the North Atlantic Treaty for Co-operation Regarding Atomic Information. The text of this agreement, which has been approved by the North Atlantic Council, has now been published in the form of a White Paper. We welcome the proposed agreement as further evidence of cooperation between the N.A.T.O. Governments. It represents a notable step forward, and will greatly assist all concerned in their planning. Her Majesty's Government were consulted about the drafting of the agreement. It is a reciprocal arrangement and we for our part are prepared to make our contribution to the exchange of information, as will any other member of N.A.T.O. who is in a position to do so.