§ 15. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will conduct a study of the possible effects on the environment, development and traffic in North Northumberland of the proposed power station at Dunbar before any decision to proceed with the project is taken.
§ Mr. OakesNo, Sir. I have no reason to suppose that such a proposal might have detrimental long-term effects on North Northumberland.
§ Mr. BeithDoes not the Minister recognise that answer to be extraordinary? My constituents greatly fear that the construction of such a power station would bring about a short-term boom in jobs—which would be damaging to the long-term prospects of the area to which he has referred—and might cause severe environmental damage. Is he aware that my constituents look to him to represent their interests in this matter to the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Mr. OakesI have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is aware of the facts over the border. I will certianly draw this to his attention. We do not think that there will be a major flow of labour from the Berwick area into Scotland which would have a detrimental effect on other contracts in the Berwick area.