§ 85. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who is the United Kingdom representative on the Preparatory Commission of the International Atomic Energy Agency; what meetings have been held by the Preparatory Commission; and when and where the first International Conference of the Agency will be convened.
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§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe United Kingdom was represented until the end of February on the Preparatory Commission by Sir Alec Randall. His place has now been taken by Mr. R. D. J. Scott-Fox of the United Kingdom Permanent Delegation in New York, with Mr. M. I. Michaels of the Office of the Lord President of the Council (Atomic Energy) as alternate delegate.
The Preparatory Commission has so far held twelve formal meetings. On 4th March a Working Committee of the whole assembled in New York to discuss and make recommendations on the initial programme of the Agency. This Committee has just completed the first stage of its work.
As regards the last part of the Question, it has been decided to hold the first General Conference in Vienna and the Preparatory Commission have tentatively set 19th August as the target date for the opening of the Conference.
§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date Her Majesty's Government ratified the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Government have not yet ratified the Statute.
A White Paper containing the text of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency will be laid before the House tomorrow. Arrangements will be made to deposit an instrument of ratification with the United States Government in accordance with Article XXI of the Statute as soon as possible after the statutory period is completed.