HC Deb 21 May 1969 vol 784 cc428-9
36. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Technology if he will list the nuclear power stations in Great Britain operated by the Atomic Energy Authority which have been subject to breakdown during the last five years; and what were the additional costs and the loss of revenue involved.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I have already given the hon. Member the information for which he asked in respect of the one reactor at Chapelcross which has been out of commission since May, 1967. The three other reactors at Chapelcross and the four reactors at Calder Hall, which is the only other power station operated by the Authority, have all operated successfully over the last five years.—[Vol. 776, c. 1320–1.]

Mr. Eadie

Is my hon. Friend aware that, although the whole country can be proud of the technological achievement in this field, it can be argued that the same results could have been achieved less expensively and that miners' jobs would not have been sacrificed by bogus differential estimates?

Mr. Mallalieu

I know that that point can be argued because I have heard my hon. Friend argue it, but I do not accept it.

Mr. Lubbock

While congratulating the Atomic Energy Authority on the remarkable reactors it has been operating since its inception, may I ask what are the additional costs and the loss of revenue involved as a result of the welding defects on the prototype fast reactor now under construction?

Mr. Mallalieu

I believe I have given that information to the House, but I have not got it in my head. I shall certainly take steps to give it to the House if I have not already done so.

Mr. David Price

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the reactors operated by the Atomic Energy Authority are in the main prototype reactors and a fair comparison with coal-fired stations is in looking at the costs with the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board? Will he confirm that the utilisation of British reactors by the two generating boards is higher than any reactors operating anywhere else in the world?

Mr. Mallalieu

Yes, I confirm that with pleasure.