§ 21. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Technology what expenditure is proposed in future for the British research programme on the control of thermonuclear fusion.
§ Mr. BennThe intended reduction in expenditure on the fusion programme was indicated in my statement of 26th July and I have nothing to add.—[Vol. 751, Cols. 644–8.]
§ Mr. AlisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the terrifying problem of atomic waste which will arise from this concentration on the fission programme, particularly as the Government are to generate so much electricity by nuclear power? Will he take steps to rehabilitate the programme for nuclear fusion?
§ Mr. BennThe Culham Establishment was set up to provide a means of generating electricity by means of fusion. It is now generally recognised all over the world that this programme is well over the horizon, 10, 20 or 25 years ahead, and on the advice of the Authority I assented to its recommendations that the programme should be run down. I think it was right and that I was right to accept its advice.
§ Mr. David PriceWill the right hon. Gentleman think again about the transfer of Culham from the A.E.A. to the Science Research Council, so that fusion can take its place with other long-term scientific projects in any review which the Government may be making in sacred cows on long-term science?
§ Mr. BennThe hon. Gentleman has made this point before, and he will have noticed that recently I announced that part of the work at Culham on the astro-physical side is to be undertaken by the Science Research Council. I have told the hon. Gentleman before, and I tell him again now, that I take seriously the proposals that he makes.