Commercial Fast Breeder Reactor

HC Deb 26 July 1982 vol 28 cc733-4

7. Dr. J. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what further progress has been made towards establishing a commercial fast breeder reactor in the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Moore

The National Nuclear Corporation, in association with the Atomic Energy Authority, is further developing the reference design for a commercial scale fast reactor which was announced by the AEA last year. The authority is undertaking a major programme of fast reactor research and development in support of this work based on the prototype fast reactor and associated fuel plant at Dounreay.

Dr. Mabon

I am grateful for that answer and the answer to the three written questions which I tabled last Thursday. In what year does the Minister estimate that the commercial fast-breeder reactor will be built? Will the experimental establishment at Dounreay be the basis on which the commercial fast breeder reactor will be established?

Mr. Moore

It would be impossible for anyone to specify when that reactor will be built. That is a factor in the review of all the policy options that are involved in the Government's review of the fast breeder. With regard to Dounreay, the Government have made it clear that all aspects of fast breeder development must be examined in their policy debate.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

Bearing in mind the importance of Dounreay to the Highland economy, will the Minister give a guarantee that that establishment will not be closed?

Mr. Moore

I should have thought that it is not the time to give guarantees when one is considering policy options—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—and those who wish to encourage irresponsible debate can mutter from Labour Benches. The policy is being reviewed, as the Government have made clear. Dounreay has an important role in the Highlands development area, and there are important employment opportunities at Dounreay, which is a key factor in any such review.

Sir Peter Emery

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is now 29 years since the first experimental fast-breeder reactor started at Dounreay? Is he aware that many of us believe that all Governments have been somewhat slow in maximising the opportunities of the fast breeder, which would benefit not only our country but many countries throughout the world if we were able to develop a small fast breeder that could be exported?

Mr. Moore

My hon. Friend is right. The development has been going on for nearly 30 years. The demonstration fast-breeder reactor has been in operation from 1959 to 1977. It is clear that the fundamentals of nuclear development have also changed. The thermal programme in the world has developed more slowly than had been anticipated. It is normal to review the current position on the basis of fundamental economic change.

Mr. Robert Hughes

While the Minister has recognised the importance of Dounreay to the economy of that part of the world, and while he cannot say now that the new fast-breeder reactor will go to Dounreay, can he give an assurance that in the foreseeable future—for example, five years—no jobs will be lost at Dounreay?

Mr. Moore

All that I can say is that there is a legitimate examination of the policy options. Within that examination the proper role of Dounreay is a key factor, not just in terms of the job opportunities in the Highlands, but in terms of its expertise and excellence in fast-breeder development.