HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc69-70W
45. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what offers of assistance in the development of atomic energy have been made to the Federal German Foreign Minister.

Mr. Nutting

In his talks with the Federal German Foreign Minister my right hon. and learned Friend made no specific offers of assistance in the development of atomic energy. He said, however, that Her Majesty's Government were very willing that a bilateral agreement on the civil uses of atomic energy should he concluded with the German atomic energy authorities.

48. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the talks recently held with the German Foreign Minister, with particular reference to the contribution of the German Federal Government towards Western defence.

52. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the German Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Government were very glad to have the opportunity of welcoming the Federal German Foreign Minister in this country. A most valuable part of the visit was the general exchange of views which we had on international problems. On these there was a close identity of views between us.

Negotiations on the subject of support costs for the Allied forces in Germany are taking place in Bonn. The opportunity was, however, taken to explain fully to Dr. von Brentano Her Majesty's Government's attitude on this problem and the great importance which they attach to reaching an early settlement in the interests of Anglo-German relations. Meanwhile agreement has been reached with the Federal German Government on arrangements to cover an interim period while negotiations continue.