L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1057
460
*** Uses of Thorium**
- Sri M. K. Jinachandran : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state the uses to which Thorium could be put militarily ? Is the article capable of being used for any civil purpose ? If so, what ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : According to recent reports it seems possible that in the chain reactions which led to the release of atomic energy a part of the Uranium can be replaced by Thorium. Thorium is used in the manufacture of incandescent gas mantles, lamps, radio valves, etc.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : Where is it to be found in India ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Travancore.
Sri A. Karunakara Menon : Only in Travancore or in any other part of India ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I want notice of that.
Mr. Manu Subedar : Has Government been approached by His Majesty’s Government or by anybody outside India in order to control this supply of Thorium, and have Government committed themselves to any particular country ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no knowledge of any such suggestion.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : Are Government getting this thing examined by their geological experts ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will bear that suggestion in mind.
Sri A. Karunakara Menon : Are they exporting this product to any foreign country ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information. If my Honourable friend wants any information, he must give me enough notice.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : Is it being exported? If so, every step possible should be taken to stop its export for national security.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will find out.
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. V of 1946, 8th April 1946, p. 3655.