Nuclear Civil Research

HC Deb 10 December 1986 vol 107 cc199-200W

Mr. Patchett

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the expenditure on nuclear civil research in each year since 1970.

Mr. Goodlad

Since 1970–71 the Department of Energy—and its predecessors—has funded civil nuclear research through the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority by grant (up to 1983–84), grant-in-aid (1984–85 and 1985–86) and under programme letters (from 1986–87). The funding in each year is as follows:

	£ million (cash)
1986–871	180.5
1985–86	189.6
1984–85	196.2
1983–84	203.8

	£ million (cash)
1982–83	214.8
1981–82	205.4
1980–81	186.2
1979–80	145.5
1978–79	127.4
1977–78	100.1
1976–77	110.0
1975–76	93.4
1974–75	61.6
1973–74	47.5
1972–73	47.4
1971–72	45.0
1970–71	37.1
1 Provision.

In addition the Department of the Environment funds civil nuclear research in the area of radioactive waste management. Its total funding since 1978–79, including provision of £11.5 million for 1986–87, is £73.9 million. Details of its funding prior to this period are not readily available.

Other organisations such as the electricity generating boards and BNFL also carry out or provide funding for civil nuclear research. Details of their expenditure are not held centrally.