Marine Nuclear Propulsion

HC Deb 25 April 1961 vol 639 cc226-7

33. Mr. Peart

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his Departmental responsibilities for research into marine nuclear propulsion.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

My noble Friend has responsibilities arising from the statutory power of the Atomic Energy Authority to undertake research into any matters connected with atomic energy, including marine nuclear propulsion.

Mr. Peart

Is the Minister aware that we are behind other countries in this field? Three years ago studies were initiated and five firms submitted tenders. Why is there this delay? Is it not because the Minister of Transport has failed to give a decision? If so, will the Parliamentary Secretary insist that his hon. Friend will jerk the Minister of Transport into some action? We are lagging behind the Soviet Union, Western Germany and the United States of America.

Mr. Freeth

The Atomic Energy Authority, for whose programme alone, of course, my hon. Friend is responsible, is at the moment engaged on a programme of research and development studies of reactor types thought most likely to lead to competitive marine propulsion systems. Questions about a British nuclear-powered ship, as the hon. Member knows, should be addressed to the Minister of Transport.