§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the total estimated cost of the JET project: and what is his estimate of the United Kingdom's share of that cost;
(2) if he is satisfied with the EEC budget allocation in relation to the JET project.
§ Mr. EadieThe cost of the first five years of JET (construction and initial operation) was estimated by the JET design team at March 1975 prices and expressed in Belgian francs, using free market exchange rates to convert estimates or quotations received in other currencies. The figure arrived at by the design team was 6,750 million Belgian francs, which is equivalent at the official fixed rates of exchange to 135 mua or £56.25 million.
This estimate was reviewed and confirmed by the Commission earlier this year; its report to the Council COM (76)271 Final of 2nd June, under cover of R/1470/76 (ATO 75) of 16th June has been deposited in the House.
COM(76)271 Final, also notes that the subsequent installation of auxiliary heat- 122W ing power to extend the performance of JET is estimated to cost 40 mua.
So far as operating costs after the first five years are concerned, the Commission observes that in experiments of comparable size the annual operating cost is usually similar to the average annual construction cost. We estimate our share of the cost at about 15 per cent. if JET is sited on the Continent or about 25 per cent. if JET is at Culham. It has been agreed that the host country will pay a 10 per cent. premium. In addition it has been agreed that the host country will provide the site with certain specified buildings and services. If JET is at Culham we would expect to spend a total of about £10 million on this and on housing and any special schooling for the children of overseas members of the JET team.
Pending agreement by the Council of Ministers that the JET project should proceed, no EEC budget allocation has been made for the construction or operating phase.