§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Works what advances have been made in this country during the last two months towards the development of the uses of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Nigel Birch)Research into the peaceful uses of atomic energy is a continuous process in which very rapid advances are not to be expected. Normal progress has been made during the last two months.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the Question I asked was very generalised, and was similar to a Question which I asked last year, to which I received an equally generalised answer? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that authoritative leaders in the British shipbuilding industry are awaiting facilities to install atomic energy in trawlers and other ships? Surely the Minister can be a little more specific about this very important matter?
§ Mr. BirchThe Answer I have given accurately represents the position, as no doubt the previous Answer did. If the hon. and learned Gentleman will put down a Question about ships, I will do my best to answer it.