HC Deb 10 November 1969 vol 791 cc18-9
19. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the measures being taken by the Central Electricity Generating Board to restore full power on Magnox reactors.

Mr. Alan Williams

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline Burghs (Mr. Adam Hunter) on 21st October, 1969.—[Vol. 788, c. 228–9.]

Mr. Lubbock

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Central Electricity Generating Board expects to overcome the oxidation problem and restore full output at these stations; if so, by what means and by what date?

Mr. Williams

I wish that I could give the hon. Gentleman a full answer, but the Board is itself still carrying out its investigations. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate the intricacies of this, and until we have the Board's findings I cannot take the discussion much further ahead.

Mr. Palmer

Will my hon. Friend impress on the Central Electricity Generating Board the importance of great frankness in this matter, so that there is no adverse effect in the long run on the reputation of British reactors?

Mr. Williams

I am sure the hon. Gentleman is quite correct in the advice he offers.