§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the allocation of finance for research by the UKAEA into the fast reactor for 1977–78 before the £4 million reduction which he announced on 27th July; and whether this £4 million cut is a postponement for one year or an abandonment of that expenditure.
§ Mr. BennThe AEA's proposed expenditure on the fast reactor was approximately £40 million in 1977–78. This included provision for design and development work in industry. The £4 million savings represent deferment of some aspects of the programme. They are without prejudice to my review of fast reactor policy.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will give an assurance that the £40 million deferment of expenditure on the SGHWR at Sizewell in 1977–78 only represents a one-year postponement of the project, and not its abandonment.
§ Mr. BennYes. The savings arise from deferment. They are without prejudice to my review of the project.