§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will reconsider financing Belgian nuclear research and use the money for research in this country.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethNo. I am satisfied that the joint research arrangements described in the Answer I gave my hon. and gallant Friend on 12th December are of mutual benefit.
Brigadier Clarke asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what money from public funds has been paid out to date to British firms in connection with the nuclear research programme; and how his choice of British firms was made.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethIt is not possible to answer the first part of the Question, which covers the whole period from the beginning of the atomic energy programme. If my hon. and gallant Friend will specify his interest more narrowly I will do my best to provide the information he desires.
As regards the second part of the Question, the main consideration must always be the technical competence of the firms concerned, in relation to the particular tasks involved, and the facilities they are able to employ. Subject to this, contracts are placed by the Atomic Energy Authority in accordance with normal financial considerations.