HC Deb 18 January 1971 vol 809 cc488-9
2. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on his discussions with industry on plans for building a prototype nuclear-propelled merchant vessel.

The Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)

Industry was consulted widely during the Department's recent study of the economics of nuclear ship propulsion.

Mr. Wall

Therefore, the view of both Her Majesty's Government and industry is that a new prototype nuclear-propelled merchant ship will not be constructed until it proves economic. Is not that rather a defeatist view which will put us behind at least five other maritime nations?

Mr. Ridley

The report, which will be published in due course, comes to the conclusion which my hon. Friend has suggested. I do not think that it puts us behind the other maritime nations, because no nuclear ship at present afloat is economic as opposed to commercial.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of hon. Members are less than enthusiastic about this project at a time when there are so many accidents involving merchant vessels?

Mr. Ridley

The hon. Gentleman's views are noted.

Dame Irene Ward

Is my hon. Friend aware that I am getting rather bored hearing Answers time after time on the lines of those which have been given this afternoon to Questions put by my hon. Friends? Will my hon. Friend give us an analysis of the whole situation—how many Question, how many Answers—and let us get on with something?

Mr. Ridley

I think that my hon. Friend would find it even more boring if we were to construct a nuclear ship which was uneconomic at a time when little could be gained in terms of research from such a project.