§ 120. Mr. Steeleasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress has been made by official research into an organic moderated reactor for marine purposes.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethSince 1961 no research sponsored by the Government has been carried out on an organic moderated reactor for marine purposes.
§ 121. Mr. Smallasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what official research is being conducted into protective shielding of nuclear-powered vessels.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethWork is being done on the most economic form of structural shielding to prevent damage to the reactor in the event of collision. These collision-barriers, which absorb the energy of the striking ship, are the subject of experimental work at the Naval Construction Research Establishment. A number of models have been made, some have been tested, and further tests are in progress. Designs are also being prepared to ensure that the reactor does not suffer damage in the event of the ship grounding. Nuclear shielding to give protection against ionising radiation follows the principles and methods adopted for land-based stations, but a special study has been commissioned to adapt these to the ship.