§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what reductions in expenditure have occurred in Her Majesty's Government-funded research at Culham laboratory since the financial year 1979–80; and what further reductions are required; and if he will make a statement as to the projects affected.
§ Mr. GoodladCulham laboratory carries out the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's programme of fusion research under a contract of association with Euratom, which contributes to its funding. This research constitutes the major component of the laboratory's activities.
Government expenditure on fusion programme through the nuclear vote has been:
2W
£ million 1979–80 10.5 1980–81 11.4
£ million 1981–82 17.3 1982–83 12.5 1983–84 14.1 1984–85 *14.3 * Estimated. I reported the decisions which had been made on the Government's funding of this programme for the years 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88 in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Mr. Eggar) on 10 January.
Because, within the agreed Euratom budget ceiling for fusion research, the allocation of funds to contract of association work at Culham and elsewhere has not been determined, the UKAEA has not yet finalised the details of its fusion programme for those years. It intends, however, that work in support of the Joint European Torus (JET) project and related areas will continue to be given priority.
The laboratory has also carried out a small amount of research in areas other that fusion which will continue.