HC Deb 06 July 1953 vol 517 cc839-41
13. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statement on the effect of atomic power on the future of the fuel industries.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I am studying this matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and other Ministers concerned, and I have had discussions with experts from the atomic energy establishments in company with the chairmen of the nationalised fuel industries. At the present stage there is not enough knowledge on which to base a precise assessment of the effect of nuclear energy on the fuel industries; but the earliest application is likely to be in the generation of electric power.

The Government are alive to the importance of applying nuclear energy to industrial problems, and this is being taken fully into account in the atomic energy programme.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the embryonic state of the researches and investigations which are now being conducted, as the right hon. Gentleman has said, is it wise that an official, I think it was, of the British Electricity Authority should make optimistic statements about the early use of atomic power and the detrimental effect it will have on the fuel industry?

Mr. Lloyd

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I do not have any day-to-day control of the utterances of officials of nationalised industries, but it would certainly be unwise to make over-optimistic statements.

Mr. Woodburn

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is correct that in the present state of knowledge there is no indication that with the capital sums involved in producing atomic power there will be any economy over the use of coal or water in the production of electricity?

Mr. Lloyd

I cannot commit myself to any statement of that kind, and, in any event, questions relating to such matters should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that I am not suggesting that if there is any prospect of the use of atomic power it should in any way be suppressed, but that there is apprehension in certain quarters, particularly in the coal industry, about the ultimate effect of the use of atomic power for industrial purposes? Is he planning this matter so as to ensure that no one will suffer?

Mr. Lloyd

It was for that reason that, with the co-operation of my right hon. Friend, I had discussions with the experts of the atomic energy establishments, at which the Chairman of the National Coal Board was, of course, present. We wanted them to be in touch with developments at the very earliest stage. It is really too early to make precise assessments, but we shall certainly need all the coal that we can get.

Mr. Logan

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry taken into consideration what period will have to elapse before an alternative to coal can be introduced? Will the use of atomic energy be a solution to our difficulties?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think that anybody knows at the present stage.

29. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent his Department will in future assume separate responsibilities for the industrial use of atomic power; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Future responsibility for the industrial use of atomic power is at present under consideration by the Waverley Committee.

Mr. Gower

Will the Minister say, in due course, that the name of his Department indicates that his Department should be largely responsible for this aspect of the matter?

Mr. Lloyd

The matter is under consideration by this Committee. Any question about its work would have to be put to the Prime Minister.