§ 48. Mr. Warbeyasked the Lord Privy Seal what administrative machinery exists to enable the Lord President of the Council to carry out his duty under Section 1 1186 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1946, to control the development of atomic energy where such development is undertaken by private industry.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerSince at present the essential nuclear fuel can be obtained only from the Atomic Energy Authority, administrative control through the Authority is adequate to enable the Lord President to carry out his duties under Section 1 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1946. My noble Friend is considering with his colleagues to what extent the growing interest of private industry in this field will call for the exercise of the powers available under the Atomic Energy and Radioactive Substances Acts, 1946–54, to supplement or replace existing administrative arrangements.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the powers are adequate for full and effective control from the security and safety points of view and also from the point of view of the need for overall economic planning, and as this is now extending into the sphere of the private ownership of nuclear reactors, does he not think that control could be more effectively exercised if these were kept under public ownership?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. I am satisfied—looking at the powers under the Acts to which I have referred—those of 1946 to 1954—that there are the necessary powers. It might be of interest to the House to discuss the nature of the powers, but I am satisfied that we can do what we like. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to have a conversation with me on this point, I should be glad to have it.