HC Deb 02 August 1961 vol 645 cc1469-70
31. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now make a statement about the development of a nuclear-propelled merchant vessel.

43. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a further statement on the development of a nuclear-powered merchant ship.

Mr. Marples

I regret that I am still not in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his replies to this question in recent months have become very pessimistic from the point of view of those Who want to see a prototype at sea? Now that my right hon. Friend has had tenders in hand for a whole year, when will he make up his mind about it? Will there be a statement during the Recess?

Mr. Marples

I am afraid that this must be considered and is now being discussed in the light of the Chancellor's statement.

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. Wiley

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that now that Euratom is conducting projects in Germany, Holland, France and Italy, it would be quite disastrous if we abandoned this race? If the right hon. Gentleman is constitutionally unable to make a decision, will he ask the Prime Minister to designate another Minister who is able to make a decision?

Mr. Marples

I am afraid that the hon. Member is not right about marine nuclear power in Europe. My information is not the same as his, but I will make a decision as quickly as possible.

Mr. Strauss

As the right hon. Gentleman is so constantly postponing decisions on major policy, may I ask whether it would not be a good idea if he changed the name of his Department to the "Ministry of Procrastination"?

Mr. Marples

That might have been true at some time when certain people were present in the Ministry, but not now.