§ 23. Mr. Palmerasked the Paymaster-General if he will make available figures showing proposed relative national investment over the next 10 years in all primary energy sources in the light of the nuclear power programme now announced.
§ Mr. MaudlingInvestment in nuclear power stations is expected by the end of 1965 to total rather more than £1,000 million, of which a little over £900 million represents the cost, including initial fuel charge of the stations due for completion by then. My right hon. Friend advises me that investment in hydroelectric power in Scotland may, if present 784 progress is continued, amount to some £120 million. Colliery development by the National Coal Board is estimated at some £850 million over the same period. Indigenous oil resources are unlikely to call for much new investment, but substantial sums will have to be found for the development of the world-wide activities of British oil companies in production, refining and distribution.
§ Mr. PalmerWhilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for those figures, may I ask if it would not be more helpful to the House and perhaps make for informed debate in future if we could have them set out in some detail in a White Paper?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe right hon. Member for Blyth (Mr. Robens) raised the question of a White Paper on the general fuel situation after the statement on the nuclear power programme, and my noble Friend is considering that suggestion.