§ 41. Mr. Neaveasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress has been made into research on using depleted uranium metal in place of lead as shielding for strong gamma sources, containers and X-ray machines; and whether savings in space, weight and money can be effected by its use.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethResearch into the safe use of depleted uranium for the shielding of high activity sources have been brought to a stage where it can be applied in industry. Depleted uranium is comparatively expensive but has unique advantages as a shielding material where savings in space or weight are paramount. The Atomic Energy Authority believes it will be possible to develop a small but useful market, both here and overseas, for this material for shielding purposes.