HL Deb 28 June 1983 vol 443 cc123-4

3.4 p.m.

The Earl of Lauderdale

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have now received from the nuclear power industry about the future shape of the fast reactor programme.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy (The Earl of Avon)

My Lords, following the policy statement which my right honourable friend the then Secretary of State for Energy made last November, advice has been received from the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Authority, on behalf of the various interested parties. That advice is under urgent consideration.

The Earl of Lauderdale

My Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he would not agree that there is a certain urgency about this matter, in that the fast reactor will provide cheap energy because the fuel is re-usable, but that it is a 25 year timescale from getting the project going and proving its safety, and therefore we are liable to be into the phase of series ordering very late on in the early years and middle years of the next century?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, indeed my opening reply to this Question did stress the word "urgency". I would add that the Government have decided to continue with the substantial development programme for the fast reactor based at Dounreay. With regard to the noble Earl's comment on pricing, of course with uranium at the present price I think this lessens rather than increases the rush.

Lord Strabolgi

My Lords, may I ask the noble Earl whether he is aware that there are several fast reactors under construction in other European countries, and that the French fast reactor, the Super Phenix, is likely to be in operation next year? Does he not think that our programme is lagging behind a little?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, I am indeed aware of the French programme. I do not believe ours is lagging behind. I hope the noble Lord will wait for the Statement as a result of the recent discussions.

The Earl of Lauderdale

My Lords, could my noble friend say whether there is any truth in press reports that we are discussing with the French possible collaboration in development after the Super Phenix has come into operation?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, I am afraid I must reiterate to my noble friend that the advice is at the moment confidential.