1.   But AEA Technology hopes that the government will allow the fuel to be used in its prototype fast reactor at Dounreay.

2.   Monju is a small prototype reactor, and officials say it will take at least several decades before fast-breeder reactors are commonly used to supply electricity commercially.

3.   There also was a major leak at a prototype reactor that uses plutonium at a site northeast of Tokyo.

4.   The prototype reactor will not generate power Wednesday, but the corporation will carry out other experiments till September, a spokesman said.

5.   Japan is to press ahead with its controversial fast breeder nuclear programme despite a serious accident at its prototype Monju reactor last month, officials said Thursday.

6.   No one was reported injured in the accident in the prototype reactor.