HC Deb 18 October 1966 vol 734 cc3-5
2. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Technology when he plans to revisit Dounreay Experimental Station; and if he will, in preparation for that visit, consult beforehand Aberdeen Trades Council and Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce as to the ways in which Dounreay Experimental Station can assist trade, industry and employment in Aberdeen.

The Minister of Technology (Mr. Anthony Wedgwood Benn)

As my hon. and learned Friend may be aware, I visited Dounreay last week. The reactor programme there is too highly specialised to afford direct assistance to local industry other than by the training of apprentices, and the supply of some electricity to the Scottish grid.

Mr. Hughes

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that, however specialised the work of this admirable experimental station may be, pure science should be linked with practical utility to the nation in the way of greater productivity and exports? Will he take steps to that end?

Mr. Benn

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, that is exactly what Dounreay will do when the prototype fast reactor is completed. It is 226 miles from Aberdeen and I do not believe that Aberdeen itself would be able to benefit more directly than I have mentioned.

Mr. Hogg

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, whatever may be the value of Dounreay to Aberdeen, the Atomic Energy Authority has a great deal to learn from the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) in the matter of vigour and perennial youth?

Mr. Benn

I fully endorse what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said.

3. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Technology if he will state the progress made during the last 12 months by the Dounreay Technological Station and its ancillaries indicating its achievements and future plans, with special reference to their assistance and contributions to productive industry and exports.

Mr. Benn

I think I should refer my hon. and learned friend to the A.E.A.'s Annual Report published on 5th October.

Mr. Hughes

As the Minister said in his previous reply, that is exactly what Dounreay is doing. Will he tabulate the practical ways in which Dounreay is assisting national productivity and exports?

Mr. Benn

When the Dounreay prototype fast reactor is completed, which it will be by 1971, it will provide the cheapest means of generating electricity. At the moment, it is testing rigs and assemblies. It has an irradiation test facility of great relevance to industry. It is also doing advanced work on the sodium coolant. In addition, it has its apprenticeship scheme. That is a great deal to get from this station.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Can the Minister say whether the reduction in the capital expenditure of the Atomic Energy Authority will affect the work at Dounreay in any way?

Mr. Benn

No, Sir.