HC Deb 29 April 1959 vol 604 c1253
3. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in view of the importance to the Royal Navy as well as the Merchant Fleet in ship design for the future of marine application of nuclear power, whether, before negotiations are finalised for subsidizing the replacements of the "Queens", he will recommend that an expert committee should be set up to consider the possibility of ensuring that any new techniques shall be made use of by the "Queens" in order to keep them supreme in their performance in the Atlantic.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

I would remind my hon. Friend of the Committee under my chairmanship which has already been set up to tackle the problem of nuclear propulsion for merchant ships. The possible application to the replacements of the "Queens" will not be overlooked. The House will be aware that there are many questions, apart from technical feasibility, which require consideration before this method of propulsion can be freely used at sea.

Dame Irene Ward

Does that Answer mean that the design for the replacement of the "Queens", now or in the future, will be a matter for joint consultation between the Admiralty, the Ministry of Transport and the builders? Will it also be considered whether, if the nuclear-powered propulsion is not sufficiently far developed for the original replacement, it may be possible to arrange for the designs to be altered in the future?

Mr. Galbraith

What it means is that we are aware that nuclear propulsion may be available in time for these replacements and we are keeping the matter under review.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the hon. Gentleman keeping in mind the very large research resources in this direction which are available on the Tyne?

Mr. Galbraith

Yes, I am. The hon. Member has another Question down concerning that later.

Mr. Ellis Smith

And on the Mersey.

Mr. Bence

And on the Clyde.