§ 45. Mr. Palmerasked the Prime Minister by what principle particular firms or groupings of firms have been selected to collaborate with the Atomic Energy Authority and the Central Electricity Generating Board in nuclear energy development for commercial and export purposes; and what arrangements are made for new firms and companies to enter this field.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)I have been asked to reply.
For technical reasons, the design and construction of a nuclear power station can best be undertaken at present by a group of companies operating under a single contract rather than by a large number of individual companies operating under separate contracts, as is usual for conventional power stations. Such groups need to have extensive scientific and engineering resources; and in the early stages of preparation for the nuclear programme, four consortia were formed and received training from the Atomic Energy Authority in collaboration with the Central Electricity Authority. Since then a fifth consortium has been formed and, at its own request, has been provided with similar training.
§ Mr. PalmerBut is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a widespread feeling that the whole of this business is too much of a closed circle? If the fruits of public activity are to be made available to private industry, should they not be made available to all?
§ Mr. MaudlingWhen the Authority makes available valuable information to these consortia, there are always terms in the contract providing for appropriate payment. No exclusive rights are granted 32 to the use of the Authority's information. I agree that in the long run this system is by no means perfect, and it will always be kept under review by the Authority. There is a possibility at a later date of returning to more conventional methods.