§ 25. Sir H. Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Technology what subjects of research in addition to nuclear fusion he intends should be continued at the Culham Laboratory.
§ Mr. BennThis is an important aspect of the proposals for the future of Culham, which the Government are now considering. I am not yet ready to make a statement.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeI appreciate that this matter requires a very great deal of consideration, but will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the future of plasma physics research? In particular, the high energy pulse techniques at this laboratory are of extreme importance and of some considerable commercial value, and it would be a tragedy for us to lose those resources.
§ Mr. BennI am very well aware of this. It is universally recognised that 783 Culham is a centre of international excellence, but I am not yet ready to speak definitely about the future. I would be grateful if the hon. Gentleman would allow me a little more time to consider the subject.
§ Mr. David PriceIn his consideration, will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that, whereas it may not be right for the A.E.A. to continue to give the same support to plasma physics as hitherto, the right answer might be to turn Culham into some form of national plasma institute, possibly associated with a university?