HC Deb 27 February 1963 vol 672 cc168-9W
57. Mr. Willis

asked the Minister of Transport what practical training facilities exist for engineering staffs and seagoing personnel who will operate nuclear reactors in merchant ships.

Mr. Marples

When it is certain that British nuclear-powered merchant vessels are likely to come into service, I shall first take expert advice with regard to the operating requirements for the types of reactor which we have in mind. Thereafter the necessary regulations will be made, and the training facilities will be made available, in consultation with representatives of the bodies concerned, including employers and trade unions.

66. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Minister of Transport what considerations have led him to change his policy on the development of a nuclear-powered ship.

Mr. Marples

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Brigadier Clarke) on 15th February.

91. Mr. Pentland

asked the Minister of Transport what consultations he has now had with the shipping and shipbuilding industries about the arrangements for building the first British nuclear ship, and the type of reactor to be employed in it.

Mr. Marples

I have had a meeting with the Chairman of the General Council of British Shipping and the President of the Shipbuilding Conference.

98. Mr. Strauss

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he is putting before the shipping industry concerning the construction and financing of a nuclear-propelled vessel; and, in view of his decision last year not to proceed with such a project, what steps he is taking to ensure that the new design is economically and technically sound; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Marples

I have no specific proposals to put to the shipping and shipbuilding industries at this stage. We have made the latest technical information available to them, and have asked for their reactions. As for the second part of the Question, technical soundness and estimates of cost are continually under assessment as development proceeds.

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