§ Q5 Mr. Albuasked the Prime Minister (1) whether it is within the terms of reference of the co-ordinating committee on nuclear power, referred to in the Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries, to consider the allocation of financial responsibility for research and development on reactors;
(2) whether he will extend the terms of reference of the co-ordinating committee on nuclear power, referred to in the Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries, so that it may examine the relationship between the manufacturing consortia, the Central Electricity Generating Board, and the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ The Prime MinisterI think it would be right for me to maintain the position of successive Governments that details of the work of Cabinet Committees are not normally disclosed. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that the Government will give the most careful consideration to the views expressed by the Select Committee.
§ Mr. AlbuCan the Prime Minister at any rate confirm that this Committee is the Committee referred to in both Houses as the Powell Committee? Why should its terms of reference be considered so secret in view of the evidencegiven to the Select Committee and the discussions in another place yesterday? Can the Prime Minister say whether it is proposed to take any action in view of the criticism made from both sides in another place yesterday about the lack of decision and of policy of the Government on nuclear energy?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a complicated question, as I think the hon. Member will agree. The Government 1414 take note of the views expressed by the Select Committee and will study them carefully. I do not think that in Question and Answer I should try to debate this very large and complicated question.