§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Technology if he will make plans for the manufacture and construction of automation machines at the Experimental Reactor Establishment at Dounreay, Scotland, in view of the demand for such machines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CousinsFor the reason I gave my hon. and learned Friend on 24th March, it is not possible to make plans for the purpose he suggests.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that I am suggesting that the Dounreay station should be not only an experimental station but have its scope enlarged so as to be constructive and in that way draw industry to the north-east of Scotland where it is very badly needed? This would be industry of a constructive kind in which the Germans and other nations are competing adversely with British industry.
§ Mr. CousinsI am aware of the intention behind my hon. and learned Friend's Question, but in a written Reply on 24th March I made it clear that it is not possible to exercise the power of the Atomic Energy Authority to take over production of this type of equipment. The legal powers do not exist whereby the Authority could do so.