§ 51. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has plans for research and development into the production of electricity by plasma fusion techniques; what consideration has been given to the Jet Tomaheh project; and whether a basis for collaboration with the European Economic Community, and internationally, has been reached.
§ Mr. John SmithYes. This is the long-term aim of the programme on plasma physics and nuclear fusion which the UKAEA has been pursuing since the early 1950s. Since 1973 all its fusion work has formed part of the Euratom fusion programme. Proposals for the EEC's next five-year programme, which include the Jet Tokomak project, are under consideration by the Council of 453W Ministers. We also participate in the IEA Fusion Power Co-ordinating Committee, which is seeking a basis for wider collaboration.