§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science (1) what steps have been taken to make adequate quantities of plutonium available for research work in connection with the development of fast breeder reactors;
(2) when plutonium will be available for use in substantial quantities in the Dounreay fast breeder reactor;
(3) what steps have been taken to increase the proportion of the Atomic Energy Authority's research staff which is engaged in work on the fast breeder reactor.
§ Sir D. EcclesMy noble Friend has been informed by the Atomic Energy Authority that the number of scientists and engineers working on the fast breeder reactor has more than doubled 63W since 1958. Plutonium in large quantities will not be required for the experimental programme on the Dounreay fast reactor until about 1963–64; in the meantime, adequate quantities are being made available for research on the development of fast breeder reactors.