Nuclear Power Station, Bradwell

HC Deb 24 April 1961 vol 639 cc21-2

28. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Power how soon he expects that the Bradwell nuclear power station will be in operation; what is the present expectation of effective life of this power station; and what the total cost of construction, including widening of roads, purchase of land, compensation, erection of pylons, and all other relevant expenditure, is now likely to be; what percentage of the nation's requirement of electric power will be met from this source; and, approximately, what effect this additional supply will have on the price of electricity to the consumer.

Mr. George

The Bradwell station is expected to be in full operation by the middle of 1962. Its life cannot at present be accurately predicted as there is little experience of operating nuclear power stations; for accountancy purposes a life of twenty years has been assumed. The cost of the items named, plus the nuclear fuel charge, is likely to be about £58 million. The capacity at Bradwell will represent about 1 per cent. of the generating capacity in England and Wales. This station alone will not have any significant effect on electricity tariffs.

Mr. Driberg

Do not those figures tend to show that this estuary has been spoilt and is to be polluted for the sake of material benefits which may prove largely illusory? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the present Minister's predecessor took the decision to allow this project after a public inquiry from which the C.E.A. concealed a number of relevant facts, including one mentioned in an earlier Question today?

Mr. George

I cannot entertain the suggestion of the hon. Member that the C.E.G.B. would at any time conceal relevant facts.

Mr. Driberg

It was the C.E.A. then.

Mr. George

As to the derival of material benefits from this installation, I am sure this country will derive material benefits. The situation is that the demand for electricity is rising so fast that in fifteen to twenty years it will not be possible to meet it from conventional fuels. Increasing supplies of nuclear power will be needed to achieve technological progress in industry, and to ensure that this country is kept in the van of progress we must continue to erect nuclear projects at the rate of one per annum.