HC Deb 29 January 1951 vol 483 c555
23. Mr. Bowles

asked the Minister of Supply what contribution is now being made to the fuel and power situation by the atomic energy plants under his control.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

None, Sir.

Mr. Bowles

Is it not a fact that the Ministry of Supply have under their control the production of atomic energy not only for military purposes but for fuel and power, and is it possible, in view of the possibility of a future recurrence of fuel trouble, for my right hon. Friend to give some hope that atomic energy will be used to assist with fuel and power problems?

Mr. Strauss

Though the matter is being very carefully studied, and a great deal of energy is being put into it, it will be some time before atomic energy can be used for general heating purposes.

Mr. Bowles

Did my right hon. Friend see in the "Daily Herald," about a week ago, that a scientist stated that possibly in the next year or two atomic plant and energy will be used in the Arabian Desert for the purpose of bringing about the industrialisation of that part of the world?

Mr. Strauss

I think that that scientist was rather optimistic. That is a view which would not be borne out by other scientists.