Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, 29 April,Official Report, column 333, on international collaboration involving the United Kingdom, what involvement the United Kingdom has in the multilateral high flux research reactor in Grenoble in partnership with France and the Federal Republic of Germany; how long the United Kingdom has been a participant in the project; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonThe United Kingdom is involved with the multilateral high flux research reactor in Grenoble through its partnership in the Institut Max von Laue—Paul Langevin (ILL) with France and West Germany. It has a 33 per cent. share in the partnership. The United Kingdom joined the partnership in 1972 for an initial period of 10 years and this was extended so that the present agreement continues until 1992. The basis of United Kingdom membership after 1992 will be a matter for negotiation with the other parties to the agreement. Originally the ILL was a project between France and West Germany which started in 1967. The United Kingdom subscription currently costs about £8.6 million per annum.