§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Technology how many persons have been employed during each of the last five years at Dounreay experimental station and the adjoining reactor station, respectively; how many are now employed there, and in what capacities; and whether the work there is increasing or diminishing.
§ Mr. CousinsI am informed by the Atomic Energy Authority that the number of people directly employed at its Dounreay Experimental Reactor Station has not changed significantly over the last five years. At present about 2,400 are employed there, of whom nearly three-fifths are industrial workers.
As to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the Answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Argyll (Mr. Noble) following my statement to the House on 9th February.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Technology what are his plans for using the results of work at Dounreay Experimental Station and the adjoining reactor station for activating production in and export from North-East Scotland.
§ Mr. CousinsThe programme of work at the Dounreay Experimental Reactor Establishment is on the further development of the fast reactor system. The main benefit from this work, cheaper electricity, will be long-term and will be of national rather than regional importance.