HC Deb 09 December 1957 vol 579 cc877-8
16. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Supply what progress is being made towards the development of an atomic-powered aircraft in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

My Department, jointly with the Atomic Energy Authority, has been for some time engaged in a thorough assessment of the operational advantages and engineering possibilities of atomic-powered aircraft. The problems involved are, however, formidable, and great expenditure is not considered justifiable at this stage.

Mr. Cronin

Bearing in mind the importance of the aircraft industry to this country, and also that the United States and Russia have made considerable advance in this field, will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that adequate attention is given to the problem as soon as practicable?

Mr. Jones

Attention is being given to this problem, but at the moment it lies in the field of fundamental research, which I think is the great strength of this country as against, for instance, the United States of America. What I was saying in my Answer is that it is far better to continue fundamental research to a point at which we can be satisfied about the future line of development than to plunge prematurely into applied research.