§ 49. Mr. Benceasked the Minister of Transport when a decision is to be taken to proceed with the building of a nuclear-power unit for marine propulsion, suitable for merchant ships.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Hay)I have nothing to add to the Answers my right hon. Friend gave to hon. Members on 27th January and 3rd February.
§ Mr. BenceDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is as important to spend public money on keeping the British Mercantile Marine abreast of world development as it is with the air services? In view of the situation on the Clyde for the next 12 months, is not the time ripe to develop a nuclear-powered marine ship, either a tanker or a mixed cargo vessel?
§ Mr. HayThat goes a little wider than the Question. All I can say in answer to the Question put down is that I have nothing to say today.