§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether negotiations are taking place with France to consider investment by Her Majesty's Government or the Central Electricity Generating Board in the construction of a European fast breeder reactor in France.
§ Mr. GoodladI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's replies of 16 January 1984, at column 47, to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) and of 22 February 1984, at column 552, to my right hon. Friend the Member for Guildford (Mr. Howell).
As envisaged in the intergovernmental memorandum of understanding on fast reactor collaboration, the CEGB is currently negotiating with its partner utilities in Europe a general agreement setting out the principles of their future co-operation.
It is expected that these will include the possibility of cross-investment between the utilities in any demonstration fast reactors which may in due course be built under the collaboration in France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom or Italy. Any definite proposal for such investment would be subject to a specific agreement, requiring the approval of respective Governments.