HC Deb 29 January 1985 vol 72 cc100-1W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the value of work undertaken by the Atomic Energy Authority (a) for the nuclear industry and (b) for non-nuclear customers under the Science and Technology Act 1965 for each year since 1980.

Mr. Goodlad

The following table, derived from the authority's report and accounts for the years in question, shows the income received for nuclear and non-nuclear work. It excludes income arising as a by-product of or as a contribution to the authority's Vote-funded programmes; for example, sales of electricity.

£ million
1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84
Nuclear work 46.8 52.7 52.9 57.4
Non-nuclear work 21.7 25.2 25.1 27.3

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the current status of the research facilities of the Atomic Energy Authority at Winfrith Heath, Dorset, in relation to the steam generating heavy water reactor; what are the uses to which these facilities are now put; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

The Winfrith SGHW reactor continues to operate very reliably as an electricity generating station and as a valuable test facility, with a load factor of over 73 per cent. in 1983–84. Continued operation of the reactor enables the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to gain valuable information and experience on water cooled reactors.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he takes to satisfy himself that the current statutory financial framework at the Atomic Energy Authority is consistent with its overall objectives and its duty to earn an appropriate rate of return on funds invested.

Mr. Goodlad

The authority's statutory financial framework is contained in the provisions of the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954, as amended: it does not include a duty to earn a rate of return on funds invested. However, the letter from my right hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Lawson) of 13 May 1983 to the then chairman of the authority setting out objectives included a requirement to make a profit on repayment work, both nuclear and non-nuclear, in accordance with terms discussed with the Department. A copy of the letter was published in theOfficial Report on 28 June 1983, at columns 45–46.