§ Mr. Hoggasked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on the future of the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ Mr. CousinsThe principal responsibilities of the Atomic Energy Authority continue to be research and development of atomic energy, including particularly the development of nuclear reactor systems for the generation of electricity at progressively lower cost; the manufacture of fuel elements and fissile material; and research and development on nuclear weapons to meet the defence requirements of Her Majesty's Government.
In addition, powers are being sought, under Clause 4 of the Science and Technology Bill, to enable the Minister of Technology to require the Atomic Energy Authority to undertake research and development in science and technology outside the atomic energy field. The Government's basic aim is to ensure that the considerable resources of skill and experience, and the exceptional facilities, that have been built up in the Atomic Energy Authority can be made available, as opportunity offers, to support the task of stimulating technological advance in industry.