§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Works if he will make a statement briefly covering the official discussions that have taken place regarding the possibility of a European Atomic Community; and what Her Majesty's Government's policy is on this matter.
§ Mr. BirchA Working Party to consider this matter was set up in June by the O.E.E.C.; it has not yet prepared90W its report, but Her Majesty's Government are keeping in close touch with the progress of its work. As the hon. Member will know from the White Paper on the correspondence arising out of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, held at Messina on 1st to 2nd June, 1955 (Cmd. 9525), we are also taking part, without commitment, in the studies proposed at that meeting, which are still proceeding.