Commander Maitlandasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a statement about progress on the Admiralty's nuclear submarine machinery programme.
§ Mr. AllanAs my noble Friend is announcing in another place, an approach has been made to the American Government for approval to purchase nuclear submarine propulsion machinery from an American firm for installation in "Dreadnought." If agreed, this will enable her to be in service earlier than would otherwise be the case. The American reaction to our proposal will depend upon amendments to the Atomic Energy Act which are currently under consideration by the United States Congress.