HC Deb 02 February 1953 vol 510 cc1451-2
8. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply what co-operation or exchange of information there is between his Department and the Atomic Energy Commission in the United States of America in research and development of atomic power plants for aircraft.

Mr. Sandys

In my reply on 26th January to a Question by the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes), I explained that we did not propose to undertake work on the application of nuclear energy to propulsion until more experience had been gained in the development of stationary nuclear power plants. The question of an exchange of information does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Beswick

Is the Minister aware that in the last Report of the Atomic Energy Commission in the United States it is suggested that significant progress has been made in this field in the last six months? As an atomic power plant for aircraft would revolutionise air transport and would strengthen us much more than the possession of any single destructive weapon, will the right hon. Gentleman see whether some more of our resources can be used for research in this matter?

Mr. Sandys

I think we have to take one step at a time. We are already making quite a lot of progress.