HC Deb 18 June 1975 vol 893 cc1385-6
14. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the South of Scotland Electricity Board about the construction of a future nuclear power station at Hunterston: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Millan

I have received an application from the South of Scotland Electricity Board for consent under Section 2 of the Electric Lighting Act 1909 to the construction of a third nuclear power station at Hunterston.

Preliminary consultations are now under way and, provided these are satisfactorily completed, I shall direct the Board to advertise the application.

Mr. Lambie

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will carry out a full investigation into the application before planning permission is granted, to ensure that a go-ahead for the SSEB will not be used at some future date to prevent the British Steel Corporation going ahead with its integrated steel mill at Hunterston? If a decision has to be made between a steel mill and a nuclear power station, the steel mill must be at Hunterston and the nuclear power station to the south.

Mr. Millan

Subject to being slightly careful in saying anything about a planning matter 'which may subsequently fall to my right hon. Friend for decision, I can say that it is Government policy that there should be an integrated steel mill at Hunterston, and we shall do nothing to prejudice that. I cannot at the moment go beyond that general statement.

Mr. Reid

On the question of future power stations, does the Minister appreciate that, according to the draft EEC energy policy document, the EEC proposes to dictate the type of fuel used in future power stations? Will he comment?

Mr. Millan

I do not appreciate that. because I do not think that it is true.