§ 38. Mr. R. Carrasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how the volume of research work now being done by the Atomic Energy Authority in support of Magnox reactors compares with that being undertaken a year ago; to what extent work of this nature is now being undertaken by the industrial consortia under arrangements agreed with the Atomic Energy Authority; and what 109W agreement has been made with the Central Electricity Generating Board for more of this type of work to be done by the Board.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethI am informed by the Atomic Energy Authority that their research and development work in support of the Magnox reactors is at about the same level as a year ago. The Authority are collaborating with the consortia in research and development work on the steels used for pressure vessels. Central Electricity Generating Board work is primarily concerned with the operation and economic ultilisation of their reactors.
§ 39. Mr. R. Carrasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what types of research work previously done by the Atomic Energy Authority themselves in support of the advanced gas-cooled reactor are now being placed with industry on contract; and to what extent this has increased in the past year.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethI am informed by the Atomic Energy Authority that they are making increasing use of industry in research on materials for fuel elements and the construction of reactors. Contracts have also been placed for stress investigations into advance designs of pressure vessels. The value of this work placed with industry has increased by 50 per cent. in the last year.