§ 2.35 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will continue financial support to the Dragon reactor project at Winfrith Heath after the end of this year, and whether they will make a statement.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD BESWICKMy Lords, the signatories of the Dragon Agreement are considering further extension up to the end of March, 1970, and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority have declared their willingness to participate in such an extension.
EARL FERRERSMy Lords, could the noble Lord say whether, if Euratom see fit not to continue to support this project, Her Majesty's Government will support it on their own?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government will have to decide that point when it arises but in the meantime we have asked that there should be an extraordinary meeting of the O.E.C.D., on, I believe, May 16, at which the question of participation will be discussed.