Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (Hansard, 18 January 1971)

§ 17. Mr. Booth
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the work undertaken at the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Research Establishment in the financial years 196768, 1968–69 and 1969–70 was attributable to civil projects.

§ Mr. Ridley
The proportion of total expenditure at A.W.R.E. Aldermaston attributable to civil work during the past three years is:—

1967–68 17 per cent.

1968–69 19 per cent.

1969–70 19 per cent.

§ Mr. Booth
In view of the relatively low economic growth rate in this country, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that there is urgent need to transfer a far higher proportion of our total research and development capacity to civil projects?

§ Mr. Ridley
There may be a need for more research to be done, but the question at issue is whether civil research of this sort should be funded by the Government or industry.

1967–68	17 per cent.
1968–69	19 per cent.
1969–70	19 per cent.