§ 27. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are his present plans for the building of fast breeder reactors by the electricity generating boards in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BennThe Government are considering their policy towards the next stage of fast reactor development, including the possible construction of a full-scale demonstration fast reactor. No decisions have been reached, and any
1st 9 months of 1977 1976 1975 Coal exports (tons) … … … … … … 1.5m 1.0m 1.7m Coal exports (value) … … … … … … £34.2m £21m £28m Coal imports (tons) … … … … … … 1.7m 2.3m 3.7m made up of:— anthracite … … … … … … 0.2m 0.1m 0.1m steam coal … … … … … … 0.6m 1.2m 3.1m coking coal … … … … … … 0.9m 1.0m 0.5m
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much anthracite is expected to be imported during 1977, compared with each of the past three years; what is the cost per ton of imports compared with home production; and when he expects demand will be balanced by United Kingdom production.
§ Mr. EadieSome 200,000 tons of anthracite is expected to be imported in 1977 compared with 143,000 tons in 1976, 135,000 tons in 1975 and 72,000 tons in 1974.16W decision on the CFR will be subject to a wide ranging public inquiry.
§ 30. Mr. MacFarquharasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the rôle of nuclear power in the British energy programme.
§ Mr. BennWhile we cannot at this stage define precisely what rôle different energy sources will play in the longer term, there will clearly be a need for a growing nuclear component. The future (Ole of nuclear power will be an important subject for consideration by the Energy Commission.