HC Deb 19 July 1960 vol 627 cc225-6
15. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the effect of the cut-back of the nuclear power programme on subsidiary producers of the relevant industrial components.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The suppliers of ancillary equipment for nuclear power stations are so numerous and the pro ducts in question are so diverse that it would be impracticable to make any such estimate.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am sorry that the Parliamentary Secretary did not detect a constituency interest in the Question. Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that Vickers Armstrong (South Marston) Limited have now gone out of aircraft and into this line of business and are anxious about the possible effects of the cut-back on their work? Swindon faces a difficult problem for the future in this matter. Will the hon. Gentleman examine it in that light and write to me with further information?

Mr. Rodgers

Rephasing of the programme will, naturally, have some effect on the volume of orders obtained by some of the ancillary suppliers. Most of them, however, have many other outlets for their equipment and there is no reason to expect a severe effect on their business as a whole. A lot of firms concerned are very busy indeed. I will, however, certainly look into the individual case that the hon. Member has raised.