§ 3.9 p.m.
§ LORD ERROLL OF HALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the reported sabotage of atomic plant at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority establishment at Winfrith Heath.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD BESWICK)My Lords, the Atomic Energy Authority have set up a Board of Inquiry to ascertain the causes and the extent of the damage recently found in the steam-generating heavy water reactor at Winfrith. The police authorities have been called in. My right honourable friend the Minister of Technology has been advised by the Chairman that the damage is minor. No question of military security arises.
§ LORD ERROLL OF HALEMy Lords, while expressing my thanks to the noble Lord for his reassuring reply, I would ask him if he can state whether the project will still be completed by the end of this year, as planned.
§ LORD BESWICKYes, my Lords, it is the firm intention of the Authority, unless there are any other unforeseen circumstances, to have this reactor at full power by the end of the year, as planned. As this type of reactor has such valuable export prospects, I am sure that we shall all wish the Authority well in their undertaking.