§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions on the possibilities of international collaboration in the development of the fast breeder reactor in the United Kingdom;
(2) if he will indicate the expenditure to date on the development of the fast breeder reactor, expressed both in annual figures and as a total;
(3) if he will assess the employment implications for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's establishment at Dounreay of his policies for the development of nuclear power.
§ Mr. John Moore[pursuant to his reply, 12 July, c. 306]: I can confirm that there have been discussions between British Ministers, officials and industry representatives and their counterparts in France, Germany and the United States of America, aimed at identifying the scope for international collaboration in the development of the fast reactor. These discussions have made useful progress and will be an important factor in the Government's current consideration of fast reactor policy alongside other factors such as the long-term potential of the fast reactor. The Government accept the desirability of maintaining and 250W where possible improving the level of employment in the Highland region; and recognises the contribution of the Dounreay operation to employment in the region.
The Government's objective is to ensure that we have access to fast reactor technology so that commercial fast reactors can be built in this country when we need them.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy will make a further statement on fast reactor policy in due course.