§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on Hunterston B indicating the nature and extent of the defect recently discovered.
§ Mr. MillanI have been asked to reply.
On 13th October 1977, it was found that a quantity of sea water had entered one of the two reactor pressure vessels at Hunterston B through a gas circulator cooling system following the shut-down of that reactor for planned routine maintenance.
318W1300MW(e) station. The AEA advises that no new estimate of the cost of such a station has been made since that contained in my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Carshalton (Mr. Forman) on 26th May 1977.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the earliest date by which one commercial fast breeder reactor could become fully operational in the United Kingdom if permission to place a contract were given immediately to the Central Electricity Generating Board.
§ Mr. EadieSubject to planning and safety clearances, the earliest practicable date for commencement of construction of a 1300MW(e) commercial demonstration fast reactor would be during 1982 for start-up around 1989.