§ 64. Mr. Peartasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement concerning the future of the Dounreay fast breeder reactor.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe work at Dounreay, though widely diversified, is 109W concerned mainly with developing the fast reactor system. Progress to 31st March, 1960, is described in the Authority's Sixth Annual Report.
Construction of the fast reactor was completed during 1959. A series of low power tests has been completed, and tests in the megawatt range will shortly begin. The reactor will then gradually be worked up to full power.
The Authority do not plan any major change in the level of work at Dounreay.
§ 65. Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement on the difficulties encountered in the construction of the Dounreay breeder reactor; and to what extent this has further delayed the estimated completion date.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe construction of the fast reactor was completed during 1959. It first went critical in November of that year. The main problems since encountered have not concerned the nuclear side of the experiment.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science (1) if he will make a statement on the nature and progress of the work carried on at Dounreay Atomic Energy Station since it started up to the present time;
(2) if he will make a statement on the plans for the future work and extension of Dounreay Atomic Energy Station.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe work at Dounreay, though widely diversified, is concerned mainly with developing the fast reactor system. Progress to 31st March, 1960 is described in the Authority's Sixth Annual Report.
Construction of the fast reactor was completed during 1959. A series of low power tests has been completed, and tests in the megawatt range will shortly begin. The reactor will then gradually be worked up to full power.
The Authority do not plan any major change in the level of work at Dounreay.