§ 31. Mr. Varleyasked the Minister of Technology whether he has approved the decision of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to enter tenders to build a nuclear power station in Finland; and if he will encourage further efforts to obtain export orders of this type.
§ Mr. CousinsYes, Sir. Every encouragement will be given to efforts to obtain exports of this type.
§ Mr. VarleyCan my right hon. Friend say how many tenders were submitted by other nations, what was the total cost involved, and whether he expects further orders of this particular kind in future?
§ Mr. CousinsThere were seven tenders other than the tender put in by the U.K.A.E.A. I am not able to answer the inquiry on total cost because, at the moment, this matter is confidential to the parties concerned.
§ Mr. BiffenIs the Minister satisfied that this is a legitimate activity for the A.E.A., or does he not feel that the consortia, which have traditionally made this 229 kind of tender from the United Kingdom, should themselves be encouraged to go into exports?
§ Mr. CousinsI think it very much a legitimate activity of the Atomic Energy Authority.