§ 17. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement about the current use of British research into the centrifugal method of separating U-235.
§ Dr. BrayThough the Atomic Energy Authority has devoted some effort to the investigation of this possibility, it is too early to make a statement.
§ Mr. BrooksIs my hon. Friend aware of the persistent rumours that the Chinese have perfected a cheap and reliable method of preparing the fissile material necessary for thermo-nuclear explosions? In the light of the implications of this for nuclear proliferation and the cost of our own programme, could not my hon. Friend prosecute this research more urgently?
§ Dr. BrayI note what my hon. Friend says, but I can only repeat that I am not in a position to make a statement.