§ Mr. Greenasked the Paymaster-General to what extent British nuclear power stations are currently being modified so that military grade plutonium can be extracted; what effect such modification is expected to have on the economics of nuclear power operation and the sale of British nuclear equipment abroad; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingThree nuclear power stations are being modified, but whether they will ever be used to produce military 229W grade plutonium will be for decision later and will depend on defence requirements. The first two stations, at Bradwell and Berkeley, are not being modified and the decision to modify three subsequent stations was taken solely as a precaution for defence purposes. It in no way reflects any change in the assessment of the economics of the British nuclear power stations, and there is therefore no reason whatever why the sale abroad of British nuclear equipment should be in any way affected.