HC Deb 04 December 1962 vol 668 cc1122-3
15. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a progress report on the research and development of steam-generating heavy water reactors.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The Atomic Energy Authority informs me that the progress of the research and development work in support of the steam-generating heavy water reactor is satisfactory. Reactor physics information is being obtained from zero-energy and sub-critical experiments at Winfrith, and good progress is being made on the relevant materials, particularly on zirconium alloys at the Materials Laboratory, Culcheth, and in industry.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Can my hon. Friend say something about the contribution being made by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited which, I understand, is collaborating in this matter?

Mr. Freeth

We are collaborating generally with the Canadians on water reactors. This proposal by the Atomic Energy Authority is very much one of its own "brain childs", if I may so call it.