§ Q8. Mr. Hamlingasked the Prime Minister what changes he will now propose with regard to departmental responsibility for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
§ The Prime MinisterI see no reason to make any further changes in departmental responsibilities in this field.
§ Mr. HamlingWill my right hon. Friend make sure that the Minister of Power gets more influence in this field than he has so far?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend has a very great deal of influence, because the siting and general planning of electricity generation by nuclear clingy is a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board as well as for the nuclear authorities. But the old argument as to whether the whole responsibility should be for the one or the other is a very difficult one. It is under constant review, and at the moment I see no reason for changing responsibility.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan the Prime Minister tell us who is responsible for the non-peaceful use of nuclear energy?
§ The Prime MinisterThat supplementary question does not arise out of this 971 Question, but my hon. Friend will know that I have certain responsibilities in this field, together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeAs the Select Committee on Science and Technology has been looking at our nuclear reactor programme, will the Prime Minister give an assurance that before any changes are made on this front he will, at least, allow publication and discussion of the Select Committee's Report, which may, I think, be expected before the end of the year?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that we are all looking forward to the Report of the first session of the Select Committee. I know with what thoroughness the matter is being investigated, but, as I say, I do not see any present reason for making a change in the present arrangements.