§ 36. Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of Technology if he will give details of the number of inquiries which have been received for the supply of advanced gas-cooled reactors to other countries.
Mr. Alan WilliamsAt the present time, five countries have reasonably firm nuclear power projects, of a size for which the A.G.R. system would be suitable, and the nuclear design and construction companies are in touch. In addition, licences for the A.G.R. have been taken out by German and Japanese firms.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonWhile I welcome what the hon. Gentleman has told us about these inquiries, may I ask whether he would not agree that the sales of British reactors in the past have been extremely disappointing? Can he possibly give any reasons for this failure to sell abroad?
Mr. WilliamsI quite agree with the hon. Member that sales in the past have been disappointing, and we hope for better in the future. It is for this reason that we have reorganised the selling side of the industry.