HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 cc1166-7
15. Mr. David Howell

asked the Minister of Power what is his latest estimate of the trend of the overall costs of nuclear and coal-fired power stations, respectively, during the next 10 years.

61. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of Power if he will give an estimate of the comparative costs of nuclear and coal-fired power stations during the next 10 years.

Mr. Marsh

The latest estimates of the trend over the next 10 years were given in the Reports on Nuclear Power Costs published as Appendices 43 and 44 to the Report from the Select Committee on Science and Technology.

Mr. Howell

Does the Minister accept that those figures suggest that the economic advantages of nuclear stations are bound to be stronger and to increase in the future? Would he reassure the House that those advantages will be taken fully into account in the future fuel policy in both the medium and the long term?

Mr. Marsh

I find myself in the embarrassing position of agreeing with the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Cronin

Will my right hon. Friend be aware that some of us have grave doubts about the figures available for nuclear power stations? Bearing in mind the already rapidly increasing capital and running costs of power stations, would not it be desirable at least to consider an independent inquiry into the matter?

Mr. Marsh

I appreciate that there is a great deal of controversy on the subject. But the investigation which has taken place so far has involved the A.E.A., the C.E.G.B. and the Department's Chief Scientist's Division. The matter has also been to the Select Committee on Science and Technology. I find it difficult to think of a body which would be independent of all those and be capable of doing the job.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the two Appendices to the Select Committee's Report which he mentioned contain the agreement of the Coal Board officials to the general calculations in them? Will he remind Lord Robens that the Coal Board officials agreed?

Mr. Marsh

I am sure that Lord Robens will note what the hon. Gentleman said.

Mr. Ogden

Will my right hon. Friend confirm his own figures showing that in the 1970s and onwards coal will be competitive with any other fuel, and bear in mind that unless the construction of three coal-fired stations is begun fairly quickly we shall be very short of places to burn that coal, no matter how competitive it is in the 1970s?

Mr. Marsh

I would not go so far as to say that it would be competitive with any other fuel in terms of being cheaper than any other fuel in the 1970s. At the present rate, it will be able to hold a large share of the energy market.