§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy to what extent irradiation causes embrittlement of steel; and how the problem is dealt with in nuclear power plant construction.
§ Mr. John MooreI am advised that irradiation can cause embrittlement of steel when impurities such as copper, phosphorus and sulphur are present above certain levels.
The nuclear industry world-wide is aware of this problem and preventative measures have now been adopted including stricter controls of the level of impurities and improved welding procedures.