HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 cc1005-6
45. Mr. Moss

asked the Lord Privy Seal what official steps are being taken to secure contracts to build nuclear power stations in Australia.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

Responsibility for securing contracts for the supply of nuclear power stations to overseas countries will rest with the companies who are able to supply them. A number of British companies are engaged in designing nuclear power stations in conjunction with the Atomic Energy Authority and the electricity authorities in this country, and this should enable them to undertake export orders in due course.

Mr. Moss

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the Press reports that American propaganda in Australia is stigmatising British achievements in the nuclear field as obsolete? If so, will he say whether any steps are being taken to counter this propaganda?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Gentleman would provide me with any such material, I should be very glad to study it. Meanwhile, I have read the third annual report of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, and I should have thought that that report gives an opportunity, when the times comes, for the kind of exports which the hon. Member has in mind.