§ 6. Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made with the Winfrith Heath Dragon high temperature reactor project; and what discussions he has had with Euratom to finance future reseach and development.
§ Mr. BennThe Dragon reactor successfully completed its first phase of full power operation on 31st August, 1966.
The signatories have agreed that the Dragon project will be extended to at least the end of 1967 and are considering further prolongation up to the end of March, 1970.
§ Mr. JenkinIs there any economic future envisaged for a reactor of this kind? While recognising that the research work is of value, may I ask whether it is not time to reappraise the whole project in the light of developments in the field of atomic science?
§ Mr. BennAll that I can say about the Dragon project is that it has been thought sufficiently important to be 7 backed by ourselves and our other partners. Our assessment of its importance is shared elsewhere and, if the hon. Gentleman's suggestion about a reappraisal meant the discontinuance of the project, it would not be right.