HC Deb 24 June 1958 vol 590 cc234-5
43. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the atomic station at Hunterston, Ayrshire, is to be used for production of material for military purposes.

Mr. Maclay

Her Majesty's Government are concerned solely with the possibility of securing additional sources of military plutonium should the need for them arise. I cannot at present forecast what use, if any, would be made of Hunterston in these circumstances.

Mr. Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London Times published an article saying that plutonium for military purposes is to be manufactured at Hunterston and this has caused great alarm in the district as raw material for atom bombs will be manufactured in a big industrial area, which is near to the constituency of the Secretary of State?

Mr. Maclay

The reply I have given is based on the facts as they are at present.