§ 45. Mr. Warbeyasked the Lord Privy Seal what changes have recently been made in the plant construction programme of the Atomic Energy Authority; and to what extent these changes will affect the atomic power programme.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)Apart from such modifications of detail as are constantly occurring in any major construction programme, no changes have recently been made in the Atomic Energy Authority's plant construction programme, except for the decision, already announced, to abandon the proposal to manufacture heavy water in New Zealand.
§ Mr. WarbeyCan the Lord Privy Seal say what the changes, referred to in the Supplementary Estimate on this matter, are about? Is he aware that there is a general view among experts that the whole nuclear power programme is far behind what will be required in this country in the 1960's? Is it under review, and when shall we have an announcement on acceleration?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Gentleman has raised wider questions than those on the Order Paper. I will give them my immediate attention and discuss them with my noble Friend when he returns to this country. If the hon. Member will allow me to do that, I will endeavour to give him answers to his questions.