§ 53. Mr. Straussasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the discussions between the Atomic Energy Authority and the shipping companies about the building of a nuclear merchant ship; and if Her Majesty's Government are now prepared to support such a project.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe Working Group is still examining the probable merits of various reactor systems and the cost of developing them. As soon as we have its report we intend to have further discussions with the shipowners and shipbuilders.
§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Transport when it is intended to announce the findings of the working group on nuclear marine propulsion.
§ Mr. MarplesI cannot yet say. The Working Group is still at work.
§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Transport when it is intended to commence building the first commercial nuclear ship in Great Britain.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Government are not yet in a position to reach a decision in this matter.
§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Transport if he will give an assurance that the nuclear marine reactor chosen for the first British commercial nuclear ship will be of British design.
§ Mr. MarplesI must await the report of the Working Group which is still examining the merits of different reactor systems.