HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc1130-1
45. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he is aware that the United States submarine "Nautilus" has been for some time actuated by nuclear energy; and what steps he is taking to apply nuclear energy as a motive power in British ships, submarine and otherwise.

The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Test (Mr. J. Howard) on 23rd January on the application of nuclear power to ship propulsion generally. A prototype reactor and associated machinery for submarine propulsion have been ordered by the Admiralty from a group of industrial firms and work on this project is proceeding under the control of the Admiralty in collaboration with the Atomic Energy Authority.

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty announced on 5th March that a Committee is to be set up under the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to bring together all the interests concerned with the problem of the application of nuclear propulsion for marine use.

Mr. Hughes

is the Minister yet in a position to say what advances have been made towards the application of nuclear energy to smaller surface vessels such as trawlers and drifters?

Mr. Maudling

This is still a very early stage in the development of marine propulsion by atomic means. It is too early to give any report on what progress has been made.

Mr. Bottomley

While recognising what has been done in this sphere of activity, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would agree that the Government should be more energetic in pushing ahead with atomic-powered ships, bearing in mind that we are, after all. a maritime nation?

Mr. Maudling

The Government and the industry have been very energetic in proceeding with the development of all the uses of atomic energy.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not more important now than ever before to press on with the development of nuclear power and to make the oil companies realise that they are not the masters now?

Mr. Maudling

So far as that is accurate, it is reflected in the Government's policy.