§ 4. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Technology whether he will give an assurance that the research being undertaken by the Atomic Energy Authority's Culham laboratory will continue to be granted high priority throughout the present phase of national economic stringency.
§ Mr. ShoreAs my right hon. Friend has told the House, the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Authority has appointed a working party to review the programme of the Culham laboratory and to make recommendations. The Chairman has not yet received the report.
§ Mr. BrooksIs my hon. Friend not aware that apprehension has been voiced by those with responsibilities in this field, and that the House would have its anxieties relieved if assurances could be given about the future of this very important sphere of research?
§ Mr. ShoreI am aware that some apprehensions have been expressed but, as I understand it, the working party is considering the future of fusion research and the possibilities of fusion reactors for producing electricity at low cost. Until we get its report, there is nothing that I can add.