HC Deb 16 July 1964 vol 698 cc1398-9
7. Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister of Power how much generating capacity of the Central Electricity Generating Board in June, 1964, was nuclear-powered; how this compares with June, 1958; and what additional capacity is now under construction.

Mr. Peyton

Total nuclear capacity in June, 1964, was 576 kW sent out, all of which was brought into operation since 1958. An additional 3,870 mW of nuclear capacity is now under construction.

Mr. Skeet

While I congratulate my hon. Friend on the advance which these figures disclose, may I ask whether his programme is justified, bearing in mind that the capital cost of plant for nuclear power stations is about £100 per kW as compared with only £35 per kW for conventional stations?

Mr. Peyton

Yes, Sir. Our experience so far will prove to be most valuable in the future. I should remind my hon. Friend that it is expected that nuclear power will become competitive with conventional stations in the early 1970s. Thereafter, it should become cheaper.

Mr. Skeet

Will this be from the American type reactors or from the A.G.R.?

Mr. Peyton

That would be looking far into the future.