HC Deb 20 March 1957 vol 567 cc363-4
4. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a further statement on the help his Department is giving to assist in developing atom-powered tankers and freighters.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member yesterday.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the reply that was given to me yesterday, although helpful, still shows some complacency on the part of those concerned? Is not the Civil Lord further aware that unless we move speedily in the development of atomic-powered ships, we shall be cut out of the commercial market?

Mr. Galbraith

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that there is no complacency at all. We are going ahead as fast as we possibly can.

Mr. Willey

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that we must keep the lead in any new form of ship propulsion? Will he give every assistance possible in the development not only of nuclear propulsion but also possibly of jet propulsion?

Mr. Galbraith

Yes, I give that assurance.