HC Deb 24 July 1981 vol 9 cc254-5W
Mr. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total amount of plutonium produced and separated by the United Kingdom's nuclear power programme by each five-year period up to the present day and the amounts (a) used in the United Kingdom's fast-breeder reactor research programme, (b) used in the United Kingdom's weapons programme, (c) exported, (d) currently stockpiled for expected civil use and (e) currently stockpiled for expected military use.

Mr. Norman Lamont

I refer the hon. Member to the answers(a), (c) and (d) given to him on 6 April and 14 May 1981. It would not be in the national interest to provide the other information requested.

Mr. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the design or operation of any of the United Kingdom's Magnox reactors have ever been altered or modified in order to increase plutonium production; if so, which reactors, when and how; and for how long any reactors in question were operated on the modified criteria.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The Calder Hall and Chapelcross reactors were designed to produce plutonium both for military purposes and electricity, and during their early years of operation associated fuel cycles were optimised for the former objective. No modifications to increase plutonium production have subsequently been carried out. The design or operation of the CEGB's Magnox reactors has not been modified to increase plutonium production, and they have always had the objective of maximising electricity generation.