§ Mr. Masonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress has been made in the development of the advanced gas-cooled reactor; to what extent this type is likely to be adopted; and what is the latest estimate of electricity costs per unit.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe advanced gas-cooled reactor is now exporting electricity to the grid at a net power output of 28 MW (E), the design output. A statement on the economic prospects of this system appeared in paragraphs 72 and 73 of the Eighth Annual Report of the Atomic Energy Authority, and represents their current view. The extent to which the system, in which the Authority and my noble Friend retain full confidence, is
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—— Total cost to 31st December, 1962 Current Annual Expenditure £ million £ million (a) With other Member States of the European Nuclear Energy Agency:— Dragon high temperature gas-cooled reactors in the United Kingdom 10.2 4.9 Halden boiling water reactor in Norway 2.25 0.55 (b) With Belgonucleaire and other Belgian firms:— Vulcain nuclear marine reactor * * * For commercial reasons the cost of the Vulcain programme, which are shared equally, are confidential. likely to be adopted depends, of course, on the performance of the prototype.