§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the projected number of gas-cooled reactors expected to be in operation by 1980, 1985, and 1990, respectively.
§ Mr. BennWe expect all five of the AGR stations in the programmes of the electricity generating boards to be in operation by 1980. There are nine Magnox stations operated by the boards. The cost of the Magnox reactors which were built in the early 1960s will be fully depreciated by the late 1980s, but their low cost of production may well encourage the boards to keep them in operation beyond that time.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much money has been spent on research and development 168W into gas-cooled nuclear reactors by Government Departments since December 1960.
§ Mr. BennIn full commercial cost terms, net expenditure on this by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in the period 1st April 1961 to 31st March 1975 was some £160 million. In the same period the United Kingdom has also paid, through the UKAEA and by direct Government contributions to the Euratom budget, some £18 million towards the Dragon project.
§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects the first advanced gas-cooled reactor to come on stream.
§ Mr. BennI understand from the CEGB that Hinkley Point B is currently expected to start producing electricity in April 1976. I further understand that the SSEB's Hunterston B power station is also expected to deliver commercial power in April 1976.