HC Deb 01 May 1958 vol 587 cc571-2
51. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Prime Minister what progress is being made with the prototype reactor for nuclear-powered merchant shipping.

The Prime Minister

No reactor is being developed at present specifically for propulsion of merchant shipping. The Atomic Energy Authority is working on a land-based advanced gas-cooled reactor which, while not specifically designed for use in merchant ships, is expected to yield information which will be of value to the Authority and the Admiralty in developing an economic propulsion unit. Surveys of other reactor systems which might be suitable for marine application are continuing.

Mr. Chetwynd

Are we not in danger of falling behind the United States in the development of atomic-powered merchant shipping? Ought we not to give far more priority to this project than we seem to be doing?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. Very good work indeed is going on. If the hon. Member would wish it, I would be very happy to explain to him personally some of this scientific development, which is of a remarkable character.

Mr. G. R. Howard

In view of what my hon. Friend the Civil Lord of the Admiralty said during the Navy Estimates debate and in view of the enormous importance of this matter to our marine engineering industry, will my right hon. Friend consider in the near future publishing a statement of how far the Government have got with this problem?

The Prime Minister

I will certainly consider that, although, as I am sure my hon. Friend would feel, there are some- times disadvantages in publishing too prematurely the precise stage of our advance.