§ 45. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Lord Privy Seal to make a statement on the present and future development of the nuclear power station at Dounreay, with particular regard to its relation to power for domestic and industrial purposes in Scotland.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Major Gwilym Lloyd-George)I have been asked to reply. Dounreay is primarily a research and development establishment. An experimental model of a fast breeder reactor capable of producing power is under construction and electricity generating equipment with a capacity of 15,000 kilowatts is being installed. Owing to the experimental nature of the project, however, it is not yet possible to forecast when, or on what scale, it may provide a continuous supply of electricity.
§ Mr. HughesDoes that answer mean that this station will ultimately be used for the much-needed industrial development of the North of Scotland?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeAs I pointed out in my Answer, this is an experimental station. As was said in reply to a Question two or three days ago, the provision of stations in Scotland is being considered.