§ Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Power what are his latest estimates of the demand of the Nuclear Reactor Programme for natural and enriched uranium and plutonium in 1970, 1975 and 1980; whether he is satisfied that adequate supplies will be available to meet it; and what is the quantity and value of past and future imports necessary for such a programme.
§ Mr. BennI have been asked to reply.
Estimates for the enriched uranium requirements for the Nuclear Power Programme are about 150 tonnes of low enriched for 1970 and from 350 tonnes to 550 tonnes in 1975. About 1,700 short tons per annum of natural uranium will also be required for Magnox reactors. The demand for plutonium could be 3 tonnes in 1975; the demand in 1970 will be for research and development purposes only. Requirements for 1980 will depend on how many, and what type of stations are built, but I am satisfied that adequate supplies of enriched uranium and plutonium will be available. All the natural uranium required will be, or 355W has been, imported, but for defence and commercial reasons details of past and future imports cannot be disclosed.