HC Deb 26 November 1957 vol 578 cc989-90
46. Mr. Mason

asked the Prime Minister to what extent Harwell scientists have succeeded with experiments to control the power of the hydrogen bomb for peaceful purposes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General on behalf of the Prime Minister on 11th November about controlled thermo-nuclear fusion.

Mr. Mason

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that these experiments will continue to receive the highest priority? Is he aware that the major atomic Powers are now involved in a race to solve the problem of harnessing the hydrogen bomb to peaceful purposes and that this is a race that we should attempt to win?

Mr. Butler

Experiments are proceeding at Harwell on the control of thermonuclear fusion, but the techniques necessary for civil use are not the same as those necessary for war use. Therefore, I do not think that I can carry the matter further today than to say that the utmost skill is being shown in adapting these techniques. I have no reason to believe that we are not leading the world in the experiments we are conducting.