§ Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the estimated cost of correcting corrosion in nuclear reactors, and give an estimated cost of the loss in electricity involved.
§ Mr. Benn:It is not possible to say what the cost of rectification would be until the present investigations have established what corrective action is possible. The loss caused by the reduction through corrosion in the output of the Magnox Reactors is estimated by the Central Electricity Generating Board to have been £7 million in 1969–70 and to be now running at the rate of about £10 million per year.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Minister of Technology what is the total amount of research expenditure incurred on past corrosion difficulties in the Magnox programme, to the nearest convenient date; and what is the expected research expenditure liable to be incurred in overcoming the present difficulties.
§ Mr. Benn:The figures requested are not available and I am asking the Chairman of the C.E.G.B. to write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Minister of Technology, in the light of the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology of 13th April, what is now the expected life of the Magnox reactors at their amended power output.
§ Mr. Benn:I am advised by the C.E.G.B. that, subject to the outcome of the current investigations, they expect that the reacors could continue to be operated for the remainder of their economic lives under such restrictions as may be considered appropriate from time to time.