HC Deb 06 May 1957 vol 569 cc627-8
38. Mr. Palmer

asked the Paymaster-General if foreign engineering firms will undertake work in connection with the expanded nuclear power construction programmes now announced.

Mr. Maudling

We can confidently expect, in view of the leading position of British industry, that the nuclear plant required, at least for the early stages of the programme, will come entirely from British sources. The placing of orders is, however, within the discretion of the electricity authorities, and I have no doubt that they will invite foreign firms to tender for other parts of the programme if they think it advisable to do so.

Mr. Palmer

The right hon. Gentleman will agree that there is a very important question of policy involved here. Is it not really a matter for Government decision one way or the other?

Mr. Maudling

So far as nuclear plant is concerned, no question arises at the moment because the British industry has so large a lead. In general engineering, not the specialised kind, the normal considerations of policy should apply as are applied in other engineering projects.

39. Mr. Palmer

asked the Paymaster-General what steps are being taken to ensure that all British engineering firms and groupings of firms able and willing to undertake work in connection with the expanded nuclear power construction programme are given the opportunity so to do.

Mr. Maudling

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies that I gave to him and to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. A. Roberts) on 11th March.

Mr. Palmer

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is some feeling on this matter that the work which was done in the first place by public enterprise, if it is made available to private enterprise, should be made available to all with the knowledge and so on which is required?

Mr. Maudling

That question is on a rather different point. So far as the Ministry of Power is concerned, the actual placing of the contract is done by the electricity authorities, and we have been informed that they intend to do that on the basis of the widest possible competition.

Mr. Chetwynd

Has the right hon. Gentleman any evidence that the electricity authorities are specifying that only certain firms may be used in carrying out this work?

Mr. Maudling

No, Sir. The information we have from the authorities is rather to the contrary.