The Atomic Energy Bill
While progress towards the creation of an international body with the powers to control atomic energy is slow, one of the essential preliminary steps so far as this country is concerned was taken when the Atomic Energy Bill received an unopposed second reading. On the need for Government control there is, in this instance, general agreement. As was pointed out in the debate, it would. be impos- sible to establish international control without having, first, national control. Nor is any other machinery in existence fitted to provide the facilities and the considerable sums needed to keep this country abreast of others in the field of research—either for industrial or military purposes. The programme of work already approved is to cost over L30,000,000, and Mr. Attlee stated that this considerable figure was but a fraction of the 'amount that it was estimated would be necessary in the near future. Some criticism was, however, directed to Clause it, which places restrictions on the disclosure of information. There is, indeed, ground for concern at any system which prevents the customary free exchange of scientific informa- tion, but until some effective method of international control has been established this country would be taking a quite unwarranted risk in allowing the fruits of its research to be possibly used against it. This is a case where a mistake can only be made once. When 3 system of control has been generally approved then all information will as a matter of course be pooled by all countries. Until that day arrives the first duty of the Government must be to make security the overriding factor in its policy.
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