§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science why he is giving financial assistance to Belgium for research in marine reactors instead of to British firms.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethI presume the Question refers to the Vulcain project on which the Atomic Energy Authority is carrying out a joint programme of research under an agreement with a consortium of Belgian firms known as 85W Belgonucleaire. The Vulcain system, on which Belgonucleaire has done much preliminary work, shows promise as a possible system for marine propulsion. Research work will be done in both countries. The cost of the joint programme will be shared equally between the two partners, and the results made available to both parties.
§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science (1) how he decides which firms will receive financial assistance for their research in marine reactors;
(2) how many firms have received assistance for research into marine reactors.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethNo firms are receiving financial assistance from the Government for private research work on marine reactors. The Atomic Energy Authority have placed contracts with ten firms to carry out research in support of the Government's marine reactor research programme.
§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is aware of the expertise for the development of nuclear marine propulsion that exists in Her Majesty's Dockyards; and if he will utliise this facility to the fullest extent.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethI assume that the hon. Member has in mind expertise relating to nuclear submarines. These are, however, not under construction in H.M. Dockyards. The Atomic Energy Authority have placed research contracts with commercial shipyards in support of the nuclear marine reactor programme, drawn up in the interests of merchant shipping.