HC Deb 27 February 1964 vol 690 cc620-1
Q1. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to receive the Powell Report on the Nuclear Power Programme.

The Prime Minister (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)

The Committee has now submitted a Report to the Government and this is being studied.

Mr. Digby

In considering the Report, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there are those who are disappointed with the development of marine reactors and with the nuclear power stations, which are still uneconomic? Will he issue a White Paper for the information of the House?

The Prime Minister

I will consider the points which my hon. Friend has raised. I have said that I will consider in what form the information can be given to the House.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that when I asked a question on the all-important matter of nuclear power the other day I was given the answer which I was given seven years ago? Does this indicate the speed of action on the modernisation of Britain for which, apparently, the Government are supposed to stand?

The Prime Minister

Whoever answered my hon. Friend was at least consistent. However, I will look into the matter.

Mr. Albu

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that, since the last contract has now been placed for the generating stations of the current nuclear programme, there is extreme anxiety about the long delay in producing this Report and the great secrecy surrounding, it?

The Prime Minister

I think that I have explained to the hon. Member a number of times why the Report took so long to produce, namely, because certain prototypes of power reactors had to work for a time before the Committee could make up its mind and report.