asked the Secretary of State for Energy what research has been carried out by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority into the helium gas-cooled reactor; and at what cost in public expenditure.

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority carried out Research and Development in support of helium gas-cooled reactors, including their hosting of the multi-lateral DRAGON project, from 1954 until 1974 when it was decided not to build a commercial reactor of this design. The total cost of the AEA's work is estimated at £43 million. The AEA has continued to maintain a technical understanding of developments conducted in other countries.