HC Deb 24 January 1967 vol 739 c1243
9. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the progress towards the construction of a British-built prototype nuclear-propelled merchant vessel.

Mr. Dell

There is nothing that I can add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 20th December, 1966.— [Vol 738, c. 211.]

Mr. Wall

In view of the fact that five nations are now building or planning to build nuclear ships, none of which will be economic, can the hon. Gentleman give any information about what is happening in research or forward planning to keep Britain in this race, which is of great importance to us as a maritime nation?

Mr. Dell

As the hon. Member will realise, the core of this problem is the production of a small reactor suitable for this purpose. The Atomic Energy Authority is keeping its eye on all work that is being done in this respect, but until the industry comes forward with a real risk-sharing project I do not think that the Government can take any action.

Mr. Hooley

Would not my hon. Friend agree that this country has a unique combination of experitise in both nuclear power and shipbuilding? Is it not high time that we took advantage of this fact to exploit this field of technology?

Mr. Dell

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that we are leaders in both these fields. Nevertheless, we still have to produce a small reactor which will enable us to build a ship that will operate economically.