§ Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how much has been spent on the development of beryllium as a canning material for advanced gas-cooled reactor fuel; and to what extent the Atomic Energy Authority is now satisfied that stainless steel cans for this purpose will prove suitable, specifying the anticipated increase in thermal efficiency and reduction of generating costs.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethI understand from the Atomic Energy Authority that about £10 million has been spent on the development of beryllium as a fuel element canning material. As to the remainder of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 69 of the Authority's 8th Annual Report and to my answer of 21st Ma0y, 1962, to a Ques-76W tion by the hon. Member for mid-Ulster (Mr. Forrest) the figures in which concerned an advanced gas-cooled reactor using stainless steel canned fuel.