Page 284 - Neutrons for Sciences and Society

Neutrons for Science
A6 - Intervention of Dr. Newport at the Steering Committee of 28 November 1991
Dr. Newport’s statement was as follows:
As the Associates will be aware, the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) has conducted a review of relative scientific priorities for future council support, having regard to known future resource availability. The Council has now concluded that financial expenditure on the neutron sources
at ILL and ISIS should be reduced by £5 million per annum beyond previously planned levels with effect from 1994/1995. The resources so released would make possible the support of other high priority science.
In the light of its recent review of UK neutron science, the Council has further decided that financial support for the ISIS facility should remain broadly in line with currently planned levels. Accordingly the SERC has advised the
UK Government that it will need to seek a reduction in the level of the UK’s contribution to the ILL, post 1993.
At present the ILL is out of commission for repairs, and is likely to remain closed for a considerable time. Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the present assessment of refurbishment costs for the reactor; agreement on how these costs should be met; and on future terms for membership, the UK would hope to see the refurbishment proceed and to remain a partner following re-commissioning.
It has to be emphasised, however, that the UK, with other Associates, will need to be finally satisfied about the level of refurbishment costs and the extent to which these can be met from within existing available resources.
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