HC Deb 30 January 1958 vol 581 cc512-4
49. Mr. Grimond

asked the Prime Minister if he will set up machinery to study the long-term implications of Zeta and, in particular, its bearing on investment in existing sources of power and methods of co-operation in its development between public and private industry.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply. It would be premature at this stage to set up the machinery suggested by the hon. Member. A great deal of research and development, of uncertain duration, remains to be done before controlled thermo-nuclear reactions can provide an economic source of power.

Mr. Grimond

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this development certainly will take place, and that it will have important implications on investment, for example, in our hydro-electric works in Scotland, and also in the coal industry? Should not we now begin to consider these developments, which will almost certainly come about?

Mr. Butler

We are certainly considering them, if the hon. Member will read what Sir John Cockcroft said at the Press conference at Harwell on 23rd January, he will see that a great deal of work has yet to be done before, for example, we produce the temperatures necessary to achieve what he wants. Therefore, the immediate question of investment cannot arise, however hard and successfully our scientists may work, but I hope that in our planning we will keep pace with the genius of our scientists.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is the Lord Privy Seal aware that the announcement in the Press of this achievement gave universal satisfaction to the whole country, and a feeling of great pride in the achievement of our scientists, and also that it was especially gratifying that the men actually concerned received the appropriate publicity in this matter? Can he give an assurance that the Government will give the highest priority to further developments in this field?

Mr. Butler

Yes, I certainly can, and I think that we would all accept that the scientists who have been involved, from Sir John Cockcroft downwards—if I may use that word—including the team to whom publicity was given, are at present ahead of the whole world in their achievements, and we should be justly proud of them. Sir John Cockcroft has erred, perhaps, on the side of modesty in naming the number of years within which these developments are likely to yield results, but in view of his great scientific achievements I think that we should accept his own words and wish him well for the future.

Sir G. Nicholson

Will my right hon Friend take steps to dispel the rumour that this project is called "Zeta" in honour of the only Member of Parliament whose name begins with "Z"?