§ 71. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made with the development of a nuclear reactor for merchant ships; and when the launching of the first British nuclear propelled merchant ship can be expected.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend the Minister for Science and I do not now expect to be able to announce a decision before the Christmas Recess. The technical and economic assessment is taking longer than expected, partly because it has been thought right to consider further systems about which fresh information has become available in recent months. The most recent indications of the prospects of nuclear propulsion for ships in comparison with the latest systems using oil fuel seem to be more favourable to the latter, but longer technical study of this and other points is needed before comprehensive material is available as a basis for decision. It would be wrong to take a hasty decision on this important matter.
§ 84. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport when he now expects to receive the result of the autumn review of the respective merits of the Vulcain and IBR marine reactors.
§ Mr. MarplesI cannot yet say.