HC Deb 18 May 1965 vol 712 cc1197-8
21. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Power when he expects to make a statement on the next phase of the nuclear power programme.

23. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Minister of Power what decision has been made on the type of nuclear power reactor to be adopted in the future nuclear power programme; and if he will make a statement.

25. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Power when he expects to receive the views of the Central Electricity Generating Board on the tenders for the Dungeness B nuclear power station.

Mr. Frederick Lee

I have just received the views of the Central Electricity Generating Board and hope to make a statement next week.

Mr. Peyton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his long-awaited statement will attract a good deal of attention, particularly in view of the widespread suggestion that for the first time the costs of nuclear power stations will be below those of conventional stations?

Mr. Lee

Yes, Sir. I am very well aware of the interest in this and, as I have said, I intend to make a statement on the whole question next week.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Will the Minister give us an undertaking that in deciding his policy he will decide to give nuclear power the full opportunity which it deserves on merits and not confine the possibilities through a desire to meet the representations of the National Union of Mineworkers?

Mr. Lee

As the House knows, I have the greatest regard for the representations of the National Union of Mineworkers, but I have no intention of inhibiting the development of nuclear power.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Will my right hon. Friend, having regard to the tragic events of yesterday, consider this as a matter of great urgency? Will he bear in mind that if he can support a British product instead of an American one it will give satisfaction even to the mining industry?

Mr. Lee

I have those points very much in mind. Perhaps my right hon. Friend will await my announcement next week.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

When the right hon. Gentleman makes his announcement, if as I hope he plumps for an advanced gas-cooled reactor, will he make it clear what the dollar saving will be in such a decision?

Mr. Lee

Perhaps the hon. Member will await the announcement.

Mr. Atkinson

Can my right hon. Friend say what effect the activities of the "Gnomes of Zurich" have had on our investment programme?

Mr. Lee

None whatever, as far as I know.

Sir C. Osborne

They saved the Government.

Sir T. Beamish

Will there be an opportunity to debate the important statement which the right hon. Gentleman plans to make next week? Should there not be ample time next week in view of the excellent fact that the Steel Bill has been dropped?

Mr. Lee

Whilst denying emphatically the last point made by the hon. Member, I must say that the question of whether we debate the matter is one which he might care to address to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.