§ Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will list the difficulties that have arisen since the Dounreay fast reactor was constructed in 1959; how long each stoppage has lasted; and what is the annual operating and maintenance cost of this experiment.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe difficulties encountered in the operation of the Dounreay experimental fast reactor were described in the Authority's 6th and 7th Annual Reports, and in the answer I gave the hon. Member on 28th May. Since the reactor was completed in 1959 there have been four main periods of operation, the latest being from August to December last year. The intervening periods have been used to modify the reactor to take new and advanced fuel, to make the modifications necessary to overcome certain difficulties of operation, and to refuel the reactor. The annual outlay for the operation and maintenance of this experimental reactor is at present about £2.0 million.