Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment has been made by(a) his Department, (b) consultants to his Department and (c) research scientists at the Central Electricity Generating Board, British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. and United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority of the increase in neptunium-237 produced by recycling of uranium-236 from Magnox fuel for the production of advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear 516W fuel, compared with the use of natural uranium in advanced gas-cooled reactor fuel fabrication; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Spicer[holding answer 8 February 1988]: I am informed that assessments have been made of the use of recycled uranium rather than natural uranium in advanced gas-cooled reactor fuel. Resultant increases in concentration of neptunium-237 in the irradiated fuel are small and of no special significance.