The Atom Goes to Work
The setting up of the Atomic Energy Corporation, outlined in the Government's White Paper, marks a change of emphasis in atomic policy, from research and military needs to the vast possibilities of industrial application. But, while atomic research has manifestly made considerable progress under the control of the Ministry of Supply, no one would suggest that a project which, in scope and importance, could mean a new Industrial Revolution, can be best developed under a Govern- ment department. The Government's plans probably represent as great a measure of freedom of action and decision for the new corporation as is feasible. General policy remains in the Government's hands, and the Corporation will be answerable to the Lord President of the Council. But under its chairman, Sir Edwin Plowden, and its six directors, it will have the necessary executive power, within the framework of an approved policy and under a financial ceiling, to settle day- to-day problems and carry out large capital projects in a businesslike way. Whether or no this structure will be close enough to that of a "big industrial organisation" to allow it to develop the flexibility, rapidity of decision, and closer con- tact with industry that are hoped for, can only be seen in the event. But it marks what may prove to be a considerable step forward, and reaffirms the intention to hurry on a development which (in the White Paper's words) "may come to be regarded as the most important step taken in the mastery of nature since the discovery of fire."
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