HC Deb 16 February 1959 vol 600 cc8-9
16. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Paymaster-General how many atomic power stations are now under construction and where; how many more are planned for commencement before 1965 and where; and what total capital cost and installed generating capacity is envisaged.

Sir I. Horobin

It is not expected that the nuclear power programme up till the end of 1966 will require more than 12–14 stations. Four of these are under, construction at Bradwell, Berkeley and Hinkley Point in England and at Hunterston in Scotland. Consent has been given for a further station at Trawsfynydd in Merioneth, and applications for consent to build stations at Dungeness in Kent and Sizewell in Suffolk have been submitted to my noble Friend.

The Electricity Authorities are looking for further sites for stations in the current programme, and I cannot say how many additional sites may be required before the end of 1965 for stations due to commission after 1966. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Appendix to the White Paper on Capital Investment in the coal, gas and electricity industries published in April, 1957.

Mr. Nabarro

Did my hon. Friend observe the demand made last week by the National Union of Mineworkers that two of these atomic power stations should be deferred indefinitely on account of the coal situation? Will my hon. Friend make it clear that it is the policy of his Department to resist these blandishments whether they come from King Canute or from King Coal?

Sir I. Horobin

That is the view of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Snow

Going back to the reply about the siting of these new nuclear power stations, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to be kind enough to look at the correspondence between Sir Anthony Eden and myself on the deplorable case of the selection of the Bradwell site, and to assure himself that there will be proper consultation with other Departments holding lands which may be suitable, but are no longer necessary to these Departments?

Sir I. Horobin

I am obliged to the hon. Member. I will look into the correspondence.