da. as material and that AEC continue to purchase it, The Commissioners then discussed the desirability of continuing to purchase zirconium needed for the Naval Reactor program, Mr, M.urray proposed that the Commission establish a policy that AEC would continue to purchase zirconium for the Naval Reactor program. Mr. Vance suggested that as an alternative, the Office of Defense Mobilization might be requested to purchase zirconium for both the Department of Navy and the AEC, After further discussion, the Commission: Requested that a study be made of means of funding for the procurement of zirconium, including the possibility of procurement by the ODM. Mr, Murray referred to the recent Commission approval of three naval reactor projects and said he understood that an additional $2.6 million was necessary in order to begin development of these reactors. Mr. Cook said that funds had not been available in the FY 1956 budget to begin all of these projects, since requirements for them had been submitted after approval of the FY 1956 budget. He added that during the mid-year financial review not enough funds had been available for allocation to begin these projects. However, he pointed out that the necessary funds had been requested in the FY 1957 budget, Mr. Murray requested that a study of this matter be prepared including a statement as to whether the denial of these funds would or wovjd not delay these projects. (See AEC 47/13, subsequently circulated.) 8, Additional Power Agreement with OVEC (See Minutes of Meeting 1175.) With regard to previous Commission consideration of an additional agveement with OVEC for the purchase of an additional 150 megawatts of power, Mr.Murray said he believed the additional agreement should have at least a five to ten year term instead of the proposed three year term. He pointed out that under the original long-term contract with OVEC the Commission was, in effect, paying for the plant and said he therefore believed the Commission was entitled to as long a term as it ~ 143 -

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