47. Mr. G. Wilsonasked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made by the Atomic Energy Authority in research into methods of cheapening the unit cost of the production of electricity by means of nuclear power; and at what cost per unit such production is now contemplated.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)The Atomic Energy Authority is carrying out research on a number of 2005 reactor systems of advanced design, but it is too early to forecast the cost of electricity from them.
Mr. WilsonHas my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to statements in the Press that it is now contemplated that the production of electricity would be possible at less than the figure of 0.6d. per unit originally mentioned? If that is so, could we have any information about it as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, I have seen an article in the Press, which, I thought, was a very interesting one, but erred, perhaps, on the side of optimism. The reason why we cannot give any accurate forecast is that one has to take into account the stations which may be established after 1960. I think, therefore, that it would be wrong of me to attempt to forecast any further in this matter, however interesting these articles may be.
§ Mr. WarbeyCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the costing it has now been decided to increase the amount of credit allowed for the plutonium by-product in view of the fact that the market rates fixed by the Americans for uranium 235 are higher than that allowed for in our own estimates?
§ Mr. ButlerI should want to study the details of the hon. Member's question, knowing he has taken a great deal of trouble over this matter, before I gave a considered reply.