§ 46. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister to what extent we have made progress in the development of a package atomic reactor for export purposes; and what progress we have made in obtaining markets for this type of product.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)I have been asked to reply.
Recent studies have suggested that the Calder Hall type of reactor should be capable of modification to produce electricity at a competitive price from small stations of about 20–30 megawatts capacity. In addition, a number of other reactor systems are being investigated that might be suitable for electricity generation in smaller power stations. Two United Kingdom firms have marketing rights for small power reactors of United States design. United Kingdom manufacturers have received a number of inquiries and are actively exploring possible markets for the types which they can offer.
§ Mr. MasonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is most important to press ahead in this field? Is he aware that there is a vast market waiting and that we should do our utmost to advertise and try to attract all the nations that badly need this source of power?
§ Mr. MaudlingI quite agree. Research is going on into a very large number of 611 reactors—pressurised water, heavy water gas-cooled, organic liquid-moderated reactors, and other types.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Americans are already booking orders in South America for this type of reactor, and is he giving encouragement to our firms to get off the mark?
§ Mr. MaudlingIn every way we are. Some of our firms are acting as manufacturing agents for the American type reactors but I understand that small reactors in construction for civil use in the United States are not operating as yet, and, therefore, we have no proof of their reliability or economy.