HC Deb 08 February 1966 vol 724 cc194-6
29. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Technology what assistance his Department has given to the European Nuclear Energy Agency establishment at Ispra in the evaluation of nuclear developments; and whether this includes costings.

Mr. Marsh

The Computer Programme Library of the European Nuclear Energy Agency collects and distributes magnetic tapes on which are recorded data related to fundamental scientific and engineering problems in the nuclear field. The library does not handle material relating to the evaluation of nuclear installations or to costings.

Mr. Webster

Is it not regrettable, now that the advanced gas cooled reactor has a cost advantage over most other recent technological nuclear energy processes, that common criteria are not yet developed, and will not the Minister press for this on the European Nuclear Energy Agency?

Mr. Marsh

With respect, the hon. Gentleman misunderstands the activities of Ispra. It does not deal in this particular field. Nuclear installations are almost all of an individual design and to evaluate their effectiveness and costing is very much a matter for individual judgment. The answers would be different depending on the economists concerned and the locations involved.

Mr. Snow

If that is so, how are we to read the Report of this organisation since, owing to the lack of common criteria, it is impossible to judge which forms of production of nuclear energy are more economical?

Mr. Marsh

I think my hon. Friend will agree that the information which is obtained from this organisation is very valuable indeed. The information relating to nuclear installations is not something which this organisation—or, indeed, anybody else—can cost on a general basis because the criteria are so different.

30. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Technology how many computer programmes have been sent to the European Nuclear Energy Agency establishment at Ispra in the last convenient period.

Mr. Marsh

Since it became operational in May 1964, the Computer Programme Library of the European Nuclear Energy Agency has received 299 computer programmes, of which 32 were from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Webster

Since one-third of these computer programmes are provided from the United States, is it not high time that Britain had a greater contribution to make, since this very much concerns our exports to Europe?

Mr. Marsh

The Computer Programme Library is now approaching the end of its first three-year term of existence. Proposals relating to the centre are under consideration by the Government, who will then consider their policy towards the centre in the light of this. Of the 32 programmes sent to the centre by the United Kingdom, 26 were from the Atomic Energy Authority and six from C.E.G.B.