§ 38. Mr. Strangasked the Minister for Energy what representations he has received requesting him to publish in a Green Paper the recommendations of the Nuclear Power Advisory Board on the reactor designs which should be used for the next stage of Great Britain's nuclear programme.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe suggestion of a Green Paper on nuclear reactors has been made by some hon. Members in recent weeks.
§ 41. Mr. Bishopasked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement on the current situation with regard to nuclear reactors policy.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe question of thermal reactor choice is currently under consideration by the Nuclear Power Advisory Board. The Government will reach a decision on this matter after receiving the board's advice.
§ 42. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister for Energy whether, in considering the 9W type of nuclear reactor to be used in new electricity generating plants, he will take into account the fact that "safe" reactors, such as Magnox, could be sited comparatively near to centres of population, and that the surplus low-grade heat from them could thus be used for district heating schemes and for other useful purposes.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe merits of each of the reactor systems under consideration are being carefully assessed by the Nuclear Power Advisory Board. Under present policy, nuclear power stations may not be sited close to dense urban populations and there is thus little scope for using low-grade heat from them for district heating or other purposes.