High Temperature Reactors (Hansard, 12 March 1968)

§ 31. Mr. Lubbock
asked the Minister of Power if he will issue a general direction to the Central Electricity Generating Board that they should seek tenders for high temperature reactors in respect of all future power stations.

§ Mr. Freeson
This is not a matter for which a general direction would be appropriate.

§ Mr. Lubbock
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the tender submitted by the Nuclear Power Group for a high temperature reactor in respect of the Hartle-pools station is several million £s cheaper than the next lowest quote? Is he further aware that, in the United States, it is the custom of the electricity utilities to publish all the details of tenders they receive for power stations as soon as the envelopes are opened? Has he taken note of the plans of the Gulf General Atomic Company in the United States for building a 1,000 MW high temperature gas-cooled reactor as soon as possible and—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Supplementary questions must be reasonably brief. Mr. Freeson.

§ Mr. Lubbock
Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Mr. Freeson.

§ Mr. Freeson
The choice of reactor for nuclear power stations is a matter for the C.E.G.B. Most of the other points raised by the hon. Gentleman are matters for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.