HC Deb 23 January 1957 vol 563 cc196-8
47. Mr. J. Howard

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps he is taking to speed up the development of nuclear power for use in ships.

The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

I have been asked to reply.

The Atomic Energy Authority, the Admiralty and the British Shipbuilding Research Association are devoting considerable effort to the development of nuclear power for use in surface vessels and in submarines. Admiralty scientists and naval officers have been working with Authority staff at Harwell for some years on studies of the types of nuclear power plant best suited for various marine applications, the types of fuel required, health and safety factors, and capital and operating costs.

The British Shipbuilding Research Association has had a team at Harwell for some time engaged in studying the development of nuclear propulsion of merchant vessels, and sponsored a conference at Harwell last October which was attended by shipowners and shipbuilders. The small research reactor "Lido" at Harwell is being used to study shielding problems, which are among the major design problems in connection with marine propulsion.

Mr. Howard

I thank my right hon. Friend for that comprehensive reply. Can he express an opinion whether or not we are retaining our customary lead over the United States in developments in this field?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think that I should like to speculate upon that rather complicated question.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Can we now expect that the Minister will answer Questions

in the House not only about the application of atomic energy but about research and development in this sphere as well?

Mr. Maudling

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced that in reply to a Question yesterday.