HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 cc375-7
46. Mr. Osborne

asked the Lord Privy Seal how soon atomic energy will be available for industrial purposes; and what will be its estimated cost as compared with coal and oil at today's prices.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the Government's White Paper on Nuclear Power, published last year, in which it is stated that the first commercially operated nuclear power stations will come into operation in 1960–61. It is estimated that the cost of electricity generated in these stations will be about six-tenths of a penny per unit; this is approximately the same as the cost from a modern coal or oil-fired station.

Mr. Osborne

Since those estimates were published about a year ago, may I ask whether everything has been done to expedite this new source of power, since we are so dependent upon increased power for industrial purposes and the output of coal does not seem to meet our needs?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. I have consulted my noble Friend, who has now returned to this country. It would appear that the estimates which I have given are up to date, but I will, of course, inform House if there are any changes in these estimates.

Mr. Callaghan

Would the Lord Privy Seal emphasise that whatever acceleration programme takes place, the main requirement and the main source of fuel for power in this country is going to remain coal for a very long time? We need as much coal as we can get. Would he also bear in mind that, as far as costs are concerned, the cost of oil is in any case quite fictitious?

Mr. Butler

The best thing I can do is to reinforce what my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary said yesterday, that after visiting certain stations he had come to the conclusion that the best way to enlarge and increase atomic power was to support the production of coal, as coal was at the basis of the production of atomic power. I should like to endorse that on behalf of the Government and to show how wise my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary was in that remark.

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the extreme urgency of the position, will it not be possible by means of extra priorities to bring this scheme into operation before 1960?

Mr. Butler

Under this Government we have taken especial steps to develop this new source of atomic power, and I am satisfied that, despite the various difficulties which we are experiencing at the present time, it is the Government's intention to press ahead with this new source of power.