HC Deb 02 May 1956 vol 552 c394
45. Mr. Albu

asked the Lord Privy Seal what division of activity as between research, development and construction, is proposed between the Atomic Energy Authority and private industrial firms in the development of new types of atomic reactors.

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

I have nothing to add to the information I gave to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey) in reply to his Question on 14th March.

Mr. Albu

Will the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is very important to avoid the situation which has arisen in the aircraft industry, in which too few scientists and development engineers are working on too many research projects? In order to avoid that, is it not very important that there should be a very clear line of demarcation between work done by the manufacturing companies and work done by the Atomic Energy Authority?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. I am aware of this, and so are the Government. I gave as clear an answer as I could on 14th March and, pending any further development, I am unable to give the hon. Member any further information at present. I will, however, bear in mind what he says.

Mr. Warbey

Have the Government yet been able to decide where the demarcation line should be drawn in respect of the ownership and operation of nuclear reactors?

Mr. Butler

So far as it is possible to define this question, I did so in my answer on 14th March, which I have before me.