§ 14. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology what is the estimated demand for uranium by the nuclear power industries in this country during the next five years; what source it will come from; and at what anticipated price.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuDemand for uranium for the nuclear power programme in this country over the next five years is expected to rise from some 2,000 to some 3,500 short tons uranium oxide per annum.
It will be met from stocks and from current imports from Canada and South Africa under long-term contracts.
For commercial reasons prices paid under the authority's long-term contracts are not disclosed.
§ Mr. EadieI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Is he aware that figures have been published which seem to indicate that there will be difficulty in meeting the demand for uranium in the future? Is he further aware that it has been suggested that there will be a fairly drastic escalation of prices?
§ Mr. MallalieuI know that a figure was published in the Canadian Parliament for special reasons, but I know of no suggestion that there is likely to be in the near future anything like a uranium shortage.
§ 20. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology what reports on geological surveys for uranium in Scotland he has received from organisations which have commissioned such surveys and which are in receipt of public funds.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe work has not yet advanced sufficiently to enable me to add anything to what I told the hon. Member on 27th November, 1968.—[Vol. 774. c. 494.]
§ Mr. EadieThat is a disappointing answer. In view of the exploration going on in Scotland at present, would not such finds be an additional source of wealth to the country and help to make us more self-sufficient economically? Further, what part is the Highlands and Islands Development Board playing in advancing the search for new additional mineral wealth in Scotland?
§ Mr. MallalieuI do not think that the board is involved here. I am sorry that my hon. Friend is disappointed. The survey started only last year. It is a lengthy business, and it is a five-year programme.
§ Mr. MaclennanWill my hon. Friend say something about the researches of the Institute of Geological Science in the North of Scotland, where the story is current that interesting finds of radioactive uranium have been made?
§ Mr. MallalieuThat is one of the areas where the survey is being carried out, but so far we have no startling results.