§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on current United Kingdom involvement in, and future financial commitment to(a) the international thermonuclear experimental reactor, (b) the next European Torus and (c) the compact ignition Tokamak fusion reactor projects.
§ Mr. BaldryThe proposed new framework programme for Community research and development for the period 1990–94 includes provision for continuing work on a "next step" fusion reactor. The international thermonuclear experimental reactor is the subject of collaboration in conceptual design between Euratom, Japan, the USA and the USSR which is due to be completed at the end of 1990. The United Kingdom is involved only through Euratom.
The design of the next European Torus is being defined by a small team based at Garching in Germany. The UKAEA is a party to the agreement setting up the team and makes a modest contribution by providing staff. Extension of either project to engineering design would require a further decision by the Council of Ministers.
I understand that the compact ignition Tokamak fusion reactor is a United States project in which the United Kingdom is not involved.