§ 38. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology what is the extent of the research and development work now being carried out by research establishments, research associations and other organisations for which he is responsible, on 500 megawatt and larger electric power generators; and what is the estimated annual expenditure.
§ Dr. Ernest A. DaviesThe research Lind development work being carried out by the Central Electricity Generating Board on 500 MW units and larger is concentrated primarily on turbines, alternators, lubrication and bearings with the aim of realising in full the operating economies they are intended to achieve. The board's estimate of expenditure on this work in the current year is about £850,000, rising to nearly £1 million next year. The board is, of course, working in close collaboration with the manufacturers who themselves are carrying out the bulk of the overall research and development effort on these large units.
§ Mr. OsbornThe installation of 500 megawatt, and subsequently larger, units presents this country with a problem. What steps are being taken to implement the Wilson Committee's Report, which recommended that any prototype should be tried for two years before subsequent models are ordered for general production?
§ Dr. DaviesThese machines are so large and so expensive that inevitably the first one that is ordered is of itself a prototype. Any subsequent machine which is installed also has commissioning problems which are very much related to that of a prototype. I do not think building a machine prior to its installation for test purposes and not using it in a power station would justify the expense involved.