§ Mr. D. Priceasked the Minister of Power whether he has approved the grant to Queen Mary College, University of London, of a licence to install a nuclear reactor under the Nuclear Installations (Licensing and Insurance) Act, 1959.
§ Mr. WoodYes. I recently sought the advice of the Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee about installing low-powered research reactors in the6W range of 10 to 100 kW (thermal) on urban sites. The Committee has now advised me that, so long as the site, housing, design and operation of the reactors fully satisfy certain basic conditions, these low-powered reactors can safely be permitted in built up areas. The Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations agrees with this recommendation and has advised me that the Queen Mary College project satisfies the necessary conditions. I have therefore approved the issue of a licence to the College to install a 10 kW research reactor on a site in West Ham.