§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is satisfied with the progress of work in the extraction of uranium from sea water; and if the UKAEA has sought supplementary funds for this project.
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§ Mr. EadieThe prospects for the large-scale extraction of uranium from sea water were recently reassessed by a working party on which the UKAEA, CEGB and BNFL were represented. It was concluded that it is unlikely that there is a site within the United Kingdom where this could be done on a scale which could contribute significantly to the country's uranium requirements. Even if a suitable site could be found, the cost of extraction would probably be several hundred dollars per pound of uranium. The UKEAE is not seeking funds for this project at present, but is keeping in touch with developments elsewhere.