minds. If it means that another large reactor, of the general magnitude of PWR, is to be initiated now, we do not favor Argonne's assignment to , t 7 riod : chk be ee ase came ate a melon ot eam ee "the task. To do so would almost inevitably impair progress by Argonne in | the solution of vital technological problems which must be answered and which can best and most quickly be answered by the pilot-scale reactor now planned at the Argonne site. Freedom to experiment and to take calculated risks would, we fear, be replaced by conservatism under the pressure for guaranteed performance. Such an assignment seems incompatible with Argonne's function as a National Laboratory and its proven talent for reactor experi~ mentation and development. | In the event that an industrial company or group should propose to construct a large Boiling Water Reactor, primarily with its own funds and _.- talent, -an appraisal of the new situation would of course be essential. Some ne enaaSET However, since Argonne's present program would be a vital contributor to the technology of such a plant, it would seem imperative that the progress of Argonne's program be protected against serious disruptions which might occur if its staff were required to participate heavily in the large reactor project. Successful operation of the Argonne experimental unit should be demonstrated before freezing a large plant design. We recognize that the Commission may have to weigh additional factors along with sound technology and economics in its decisions. Other than emphasizing the importance of speed in developing the industrial power objective, we have not attempted to include such factors in our judgement.