Written Answers To Questions
Friday, 24th May, 1957
International Atomicenergy Agency
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official advice he has received about the technical difficulties governing the control of nuclear materials through an international control agency; and the policy of Her Majesty's Government on a partial control of such materials.
My right hon. and learned Friend is advised that there should be no insurmountable technical difficulties in ensuring that nuclear energy programmes which are ostensibly for peaceful purposes are not used for warlike ends, provided that the control agency concerned is given the right to continuous surveillance where necessary of the processes involved. It has been Her Majesty's Government's policy to ensure that provision for the necessary safeguards is included in the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency. These safeguards will apply to all projects undertaken with the assistance of the Agency and also to other cases when the Agency is requested to apply them by the parties concerned. Similar safeguards have been included in the bilateral agreements concluded by Her Majesty's Government with other Governments and these provide for the contracting parties to consult together when the International Agency has been created on whether the administration of these safeguards should be transferred to it.
Pensions Andnational Insurance
Home Confinement Grant
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that Mrs. Herlihy, 479D Main Street, Coatdyke, was refused a home confinement grant, although she had been sent home from Bellshill Maternity Hospital to have her confinement at home; in view of the fact that patients are being sent home, due to the overcrowded conditions prevailing at the hospital, if he will state how many others have been refused the home confinement grant; and if he will remedy this situation, which arises through no fault of the patients.
The hon. Lady would seem to be under a misapprehension; I understand that Mrs. Herlihy had her confinement in Bellshill Maternity Hospital, and not at her home. Her claim for a home confinement grant is at present the subject of an appeal to the National Insurance Commissioner. I am not aware of any similar cases.I understand that the hon. Member has raised with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland the question of the conditions prevailing at the hospital.