Atomic Energy“Forget It,” Says Scientist

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 March 1948, Page 5

Atomic Energy—“Forget It,” Says Scientist

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, This Day. By co-operating the British Commonwealth of Nations could tackle research problems much more effectively. Each country’s conditions and resources had to be fitted into the general plan, said Sir Ben Lockspeiser, chief scientist to the British Ministry of Supply, who arrived by air from Sydney today. He was invited here by the New Zealand Government to discuss aeronautical matters and policy, which could be adapted to Commonwealth plans.

“Jet propulsion has come to stay,” Sir Ben stated. Ultimately all the fighters of the Royal Air Force would have jet engines and bombers would, too, when fuel consumption was improved. It was impossible to predict when jet-propelled civil aircraft would be generally used. Sir Ben forecast that gas turbines would replace steam jn marine propulsion, in locomotives and power stations, especially where there was little or no coal. Asked about the use of atomic energy, Sir Ben said “It’s still a long way off. Forget it. Before it:, takes over the fuel problem, there is a lot of work to be done.”

Questioned on guided missiles and rockets, Sir Ben said: “All I can say is that we are working like niggers on them, but you had better keep off the subject. It is all a top secret.”Sir Ben left by air tor Wellington.