§ 18. Mr. Neaveasked the Minister of Technology what estimate he has made of the cost of non-atomic work to be carried out by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in the years 1966–70; and what proportion of total expenditure on civil nuclear research this would represent.
§ The Minister of Technology (Mr. Frank Cousins)During 1966–67 the Authority expects to spend about £1.5 million on non-atomic research and development, including £.5 million on repayment. This is equivalent to some 3 per cent. of its civil R. and D. budget for the year. No estimates are yet available of the cost of non-atomic work in subsequent years, but we expect this to rise.
§ Mr. NeaveWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether this has brought any reorganisation on the staff side? If members of the staff wish to be transferred to private industry, for example, what arrangements are made for transferability of their pensions?
§ Mr. CousinsAny change which we are contemplating at the moment does not necessarily have an effect on staff movement, but this subject is under review with the staff. Although I am not in control of the business arrangements between the Atomic Energy Authority and its staff, I am conscious that it is making very generous approaches to the idea of transferability and interchange of pension rights with a number of private businesses and with Government Departments.