HC Deb 16 March 1970 vol 798 cc9-10
17. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will now announce the Government's intentions regarding the production of a nuclear-powered merchant vessel in a British shipyard.

Dr. Ernest A. Davies

The Government have no proposals for the production of a nuclear-powered merchant ship at present. Representations by interested parties are still being studied.

Mr. Brooks

Would not my hon. Friend agree that container ships and super tankers have come a long way in terms of shaft horsepower and tonnage since 1944 when we had the Padmore Report? In view of this continuing trend and the need to have high utilisation rates for such vessels, does he not think the time may well be coming when a decision should be taken by the Government?

Dr. Davies

I acknowledge what my hon. Friend has said about size and capacity of ships, particularly container ships and tankers, but the essential requirement is that there should be a market for such ships with nuclear power plants. To this we are giving special attention.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that now that ships are in demand with more than 50,000 shaft h.p. the position has altered and is more favourable towards nuclear-powered ships?

Dr. Davies

I agree that the situation has altered in a technical sense, and my right hon. Friend is very much aware of this change, but the main factor still remains whether or not there is a market where the ships can be sold and used.