HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 cc813-4
35. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Minister of Technology if he will discuss with the electricity generating boards whether their requirements will lead to the purchase of the high temperature reactor, steam generating heavy water reactor and fast breeder reactor systems over the next decade.

Mr. Alan Williams

We are in regular touch with the C.E.G.B. about its future requirements for generating stations of all kinds, including advanced nuclear types. We also keep in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about the requirements of the Scottish electricity Boards which are, of course, his responsibility.

Mr. Maclennan

Is my right hon. Friend aware, as I am sure he is, that the export potential of these three reactor systems depends largely on their proven capacity and that the competion of the prototypes in Britain is vital if we are not to lose out in the highly competitive international market?

Mr. Williams

I fully appreciate the point my hon. Friend makes, but inevitably our investment programme has to be geared to the forecast demands of the electricity industry and it is not possible adequately to assess the potential economies of the fast breeder reactor.

Mr. Lubbock

Why is the hon. Gentleman always so reluctant to give full information to the House about the likely time scale of the generating boards for these new reactor types? Can he say in particular when he thinks that the first order will be placed by one of the generating boards in the United Kingdom for the steam generating heavy water reactor, bearing in mind that it is most unlikely that we will sell these types abroad until one is operating on the grid in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Williams

The steam generating heavy water reactor has a much lower optimum operating level than the other reactors available and it may not necessarily be suitable to the high capacity requirements of the British market, although that does not mean that it would be unsuited to other markets. There are cases in Britain where it could be suitable, and we are discussing this with the C.E.G.B.

Mr. David Price

When can we expect an official reply from the hon. Gentleman's Department to the Second Report of the Select Committee on the Civil Nuclear Programme, which bears directly on this matter?

Mr. Williams

That is a separate question. I cannot give a date at this stage.