Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what new laboratories or existing laboratory upgrading and extensions have been built since 1979 at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, operated by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell; which of these have been paid for from a parliamentary vote; and which paid for by commercial contracts signed by the UKAEA or AEA technology.
§ Mr. ParkinsonSince 1979 the Harwell laboratory has completed seven major laboratory schemes. Details and information on how they were funded is as follows:
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Description Funding provided by Electron Linear Accelerator facility Vote Extension to Environmental and Medical Sciences building Vote New and improved facilities for handling radioactive wastes Vote
Description Funding provided by Thoria Pelleting plant Industrial customer Refurbishment of Post Irradiation Examination Laboratory 1Capital Improvements to Biochemistry Building 1Capital 1 Since 1986, when the finances of the UKAEA were put on a trading fund basis, capital investment which is intended to serve several research and development customers has been capitalised and is funded corporately within the AEA's external financing limit.