§ 41. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Paymaster-General if it was with his authority that Sir John Cockcroft made a statement at Darwin, on 25th April, to the effect that 25 per cent. of the electricity requirements of the United Kingdom would be met by atomic generation in 1966, 50 per cent. by 1975 and 100 per cent. by the end of the century.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Sir Ian Horobin)No, Sir. I understand that this was an informal statement representing Sir John Cockcroft's personal views.
§ Mr. RobertsWould the hon. Gentleman agree that it is a rather irregular statement to be made by a very important person like Sir John Cockcroft? Whilst I am not trying to underestimate the advantages of nuclear energy, may I ask whether, if we are to use it to the extent stated by Sir John Cockcroft, it all depends on the economic situation?
§ Sir I. HorobinThe Government are not responsible for the statement that Sir John Cockcroft made, but, unlike some statements on the subject of nuclear energy, anything that he says is worthy of considerable respect.
Mr. HobsonWould the hon. Gentleman get his noble Friend to look into this matter, not so much in relation to the statement by Sir John Cockcroft but in relation to the Electricity Authority's provision of atomic power stations? Particularly in view of the harmful effect on the coal industry and the increased cost of electricity from atomic power stations, are we not going too far, in view of United States experience in this matter?
§ Sir I. HorobinThat is much too wide a matter for a supplementary question. The programme of nuclear energy for the next few years was settled after careful consideration, and it certainly could not be upset on any temporary considerations.