HC Deb 21 May 1963 vol 678 cc182-3
28. Mr. Wainwright

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will set up a team of scientists to investigate the possibilities of harnessing the energy generated by an atomic explosion far below the surface of the earth.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

No, Sir. The Atomic Energy Authority is in touch with work which is being done in the United States of America and Euratom. If it appears likely that this work would be a practicable and economic source of energy, it would be in a position to develop it.

Mr. Wainwright

Is the hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that we should be able to take full advantage of any experiment taking place in Euratom or the United States of America? Is it not possible that because we are not ourselves attracting scientists to investigate these possibilities, if there is a break-through in these sources of power we might be left behind other countries?

Mr. Freeth

So far this has proved a very expensive matter. I think the hon. Member realises that nuclear energy covers so wide a field that it is impossible to put a reasonable effort into every single aspect. I am assured that if this method appeared to be a practical and economical source of energy, the Authority would be in a position to develop it.