§ Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give support to the building of an experimental nuclear ship in Great Britain as a research project as advocated by the United Kingdom Chamber of Shipping.
§ Mr. MarplesAs the House knows, I have already invited tenders for two types of nuclear reactor with propelling machinery for installation in a large tanker. The question of an order for the building of such a tanker will be further considered when the tenders have been received. Account will be taken at that stage not only of what the tenders disclose, but of the progress made with other types of reactor which show promise for application to shipping. Meanwhile, I shall discuss with shipowners the suggestion that they might form a consortium to own and arrange for the operation of the tanker.