HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 cc1269-70
46. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will state the present terms of reference of the Atomic Energy Commission; whether they are sufficiently extensive to include all forms of nuclear fission and fusion, or what extensions are necessary for these purposes in their terms of reference; and what steps he proposes to take to reap from this commission as much benefit as possible.

The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

The powers of the Atomic Energy Authority are set out in subsection (2) of Section 2 of the Atomic Energy Authority Act, 1954.

These powers are wide enough to include all the processes mentioned by the hon. and learned Member; and my noble Friend the Lord President of the Council is satisfied that the Authority's programme, and the arrangements for applying its achievements for the benefit of the nation, are capable of maintaining the advanced position which the United Kingdom has won in atomic energy field.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that he has given a very general answer? In particular, do the terms of reference include the application of nuclear energy to the propulsion of ships? Is he aware of the great strides that have been made in that respect in America, and do the terms of reference include that topic in Britain?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir, the terms of reference include research into any matters connected with atomic energy. Whilst I know that much progress has been made on this matter in the United States, I do not think that the progress which we have made in this country is negligible.