HC Deb 08 April 1974 vol 872 cc25-6
35. Mr. Emery

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he can now make a statement about the Government's decision on the next generation of nuclear generators.

Mr. Eadie

My right hon. Friend intends to make a statement as soon as possible, but not before the House has had an opportunity to debate the issues.

Mr. Emery

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that a number of his Labour colleagues have expressed a wish that this decision should be reached with the greatest speed? I welcome the fact that there is to be a debate on this subject, but will he assure the House that if there is any further delay he and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make a decision about the interim situation, even if they cannot make up their minds about what they want to do in the final analysis?

Mr. Eadie

I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman concedes the fact that the House of Commons should have an opportunity to debate this issue. I assure him that the Government appreciate the need for decisions, but it is important to get those decisions right. Therefore, the Government must weigh carefully all relevant factors on this complex issue.

Mr. Leadbitter

Will my hon. Friend take into account the recommendations made on this sensitive matter by the Select Committee on Science and Technology? Will he give an assurance that no decision will be taken by the Government on any proposal for a light-water reactor until the House has had an opportunity to debate the subject?

Mr. Eadie

I have pleasure in giving my hon. Friend that assurance. This has already been stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy, and no decision has been taken. The House of Commons will have the opportunity to debate the issue.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Will the Minister make sure that the House has an up-to-date forecast of the demand for electricity from the CEGB before we debate the subject? Does he agree that it will be exceedingly difficult to debate a programme involving a choice of reactor without our having the information about electricity demand?

Mr. Eadie

I will convey that view to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Dalyell

What is happening in the discussions with the Canadians on the SGHW Candu reactors?

Mr. Eadie

Discussions are taking place all the time. As I have told the House on other occasions, no decisions of any description have been taken.