HC Deb 27 November 1968 vol 774 cc488-9
15. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about progress on fast breeder reactors.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The Atomic Energy Authority's Dounreay Fast Reactor, which commenced operation in 1959, has provided information and operating experience needed to design a prototype reactor for full scale power production. This 250 MW(E) prototype reactor is now being built, and it could be the basis for designs of commercial fast reactors to be introduced by the mid to late 1970s.

Mr. Eadie

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have some difficulty in comprehending the meaning of that answer? Is he telling us that there was another gross miscalculation in the White Paper on Fuel and Power?

Mr. Mallalieu

I am sorry that my hon. Friend has difficulty in understanding the Answer and that he draws that sort of inference from it. There has been no miscalculation that I know of.

Sir C. Osborne

Will this development put more coal miners out of work? Since tens of thousands of miners are going home with less than £14 a week wages, will the hon. Gentleman see that their interests are safeguarded in this development?

Mr. Mallalieu

This is a development for the mid-1970s. The future of the coal miners will be safeguarded.

Mr. Lubbock

Is any work being done by the A.E.A. on gas-cooled fast reactors? Has the hon. Gentleman had discussions with European countries, such as Sweden, which are interested in this kind of project?

Mr. Mallalieu

I had better have notice of that question. I know that some research is being done but I have not the details.

Mr. Maclennan

Will my hon. Friend confirm that before the mid-1970s power will be available to Scottish industry from the prototype fast reactor?

Mr. Mallalieu

Yes, certainly.