HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 c88W
Mr. Roy Mason

asked the Prime Minister to what extent experiments, at present being conducted at Aldermaston towards harnessing nuclear fusion for peaceful purposes, have recently proved that nuclear power is now a more distinct possibility and may be obtained earlier than art first anticipated and to what extent more scientists are being recruited for this work to speed up its development.

The Prime Minister

I am informed by the Atomic Energy Authority that experimental work on thermonuclear fusion at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston is directed towards a better understanding of the mechanism by which high gas temperatures can be achieved. The encouraging results to date do not alter earlier predictions about the probable time-scale of the development of thermonuclear power. The Authority are recruiting some additional staff for this work.