§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) in view of the reduction in support by European utilities for fast reactor development, what he estimates are the prospects for future public funding of the Dounreay nuclear establishment over the next(a) two, (b) five and (c) 10 years;
(2) if he will make a statement with regard to his policy on the future of the Dounreay nuclear establishment after the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe European collaboration is currently considering the research requirements for the development of a common fast reactor design. The Government and the utilities, as joint customers, will consider the implications of this work for the fast reactor research programme. The UKAEA is responsible for the allocation of work between its individual sites.