HC Deb 12 December 1967 vol 756 c194
31. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of the effect of the Government's decision to reduce capital investment by the nationalised industries will have on proposals for nuclear powered electricity generating stations.

43. Mr. McGuire

asked the Minister of Power what effect the proposed reductions in capital spending by the nationalised industries will have on the construction of nuclear power stations.

Mr. Marsh

Final decisions have not yet been taken, but the effect will probably be to defer the start of one power station.

Mr. McGuire

In view of the lower capital cost involved in building conventional power stations, will my right hon. Friend look again at the high cost which will be involved with devaluation in building nuclear power stations? Surely this is a further reason for a review of the White Paper?

Mr. Marsh

I am sure my hon. Friend will ensure that that point does not escape my mind in the next few weeks. We have this in mind, but a power station is built to last for a long time—30 years.

Mr. Ridley

When will the right hon. Gentleman give the House the details of the cut-backs in investment programmes of the nationalised fuel industries as a result of the measures announced last week?

Mr. Marsh

As soon as I can.