HC Deb 30 November 1965 vol 721 cc1225-6
32. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Technology if he will now make a statement on the siting of the fast breeder reactor.

33. Mr. Baker

asked the Minister of Technology if he is yet able to state the location for the proposed fast breeder reactor.

The Minister of Technology (Mr. Frank Cousins)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Monro) on 23rd November.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be in a position to make a statement on this project? In view of the very serious blow being given to the Scottish economy by pit closures and the announcement yesterday on hydro-electric development, does my right hon. Friend recognise that it is vitally important on social, economic and political grounds that a decision should be taken in favour of siting this reactor in the Scottish Highlands?

Mr. Cousins

My hon. Friend must appreciate that I am well aware of the complicated nature of the problems affecting the Scottish economy at present. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland answered the question about the hydro-electric schemes yesterday. I am not able to give a date, but we are dealing with this matter as expeditiously as we can and I hope to be in a position soon to put the facts before the House.

Mr. Baker

Is the right hon. Gentleman cognisant of the communications which I have had with the Atomic Energy Authority on this subject and will he bear in mind the desirability of siting the reactor on Rettie airfield, Banff?

Mr. Cousins

I am aware that discussions have taken place, but it is not possible for me to say where it will be sited. I have already answered that I am not yet in a position to do so.

Mr. George Y. Mackie

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that all the technical requirements are met by the atomic energy establishment at Dounreay and that the decision to be taken will be wholly a political and economic one when he eventually takes it?

Mr. Cousins

I know that that is not the position, other than to say that Dounreay fulfils the qualifications in the same way as many other sites do where claims are being made for the siting of the reactor, but we are not yet in a position to say where or when it will be sited.