HC Deb 21 November 1967 vol 754 c307W
Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to stop the brain drain at Dounreay.

Mr. Benn

I have nothing to add to the open letter that I addressed to the staff of the Atomic Energy Authority on 15th November concerning the attempt of the Westinghouse Corporation to recruit British scientists and engineers with experience of liquid metal-cooled fast reactors. I have also discussed the subject with senior management and staff representatives from Dounreay, and Risley.

Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Technology how many scientists and other workers in Dounreay Experimental Station in Aberdeenshire have left it and gone to the United States of America within the last six months; why they left; how it has affected the work of the station; and what steps he plans to continue to expand the work of the station.

Mr. Benn

I am informed by the A.E.A. that two employees have left the Dounreay Experimental Reactor Establishment to go to the United States of America during the last six months. One was a senior machine operator who accompanied her American husband back home. The other was a Scientific Officer who mentioned better pay as his main reason for leaving. The loss of these staff had no effect on the work of the Establishment. The Dounreay Establishment is engaged on an important programme of work including the development of fact reactor systems which will keep it busy for many years to come.