HC Deb 29 November 1976 vol 921 cc459-60
8. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the fast-breeder reactor.

Mr. Benn

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. Steel) on 25th October.

Mr. Price

Before the right hon. Gentleman makes up his mind on the future programme for the fast-breeder reactor, will he take into account the Sixth Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and the fact that Sir Brian Flowers, its Chairman, is a distinguished nuclear physicist? Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Leader of the House that this is a matter which should be put to a Select Committee, possibly the Select Committee on Science and Technology, in view of the very serious considerations that have been put forward by Sir Brian and his colleagues about the rightness of going ahead with an energy supply that depends on plutonium?

Mr. Benn

Concerning the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the answer is "Yes, Sir". The Royal Commission's report will feature very much in Government discussions. Concerning the second part of the question, it is not for Ministers to suggest what the Select Committee should look at. It is for the Select Committee to decide and then, in the light of that, for the House to find time to debate such recommendations as may be made.

Mr. Hooley

Does my right hon. Friend not think that it is perhaps a little illogical to give the go-ahead to the oxide fuel reprocessing plant at Windscale before any policy decision on the FBR has been arrived at?

Mr. Benn

My hon. Friend may be mistaking two separate issues. The need for reprocessing arises from the decision taken in 1966 to go for the Magnox station and is not solely linked to overseas contracts—indeed, not primarily so. The Windscale issue was the subject of a statement made by the Secretary of State for the Environment, who has asked for more time to consider the planning procedures.

On the hon. Gentleman's second point, this is an issue on which debate is proceeding and on which the Government would welcome contributions.

Mr. Gray

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a Parliamentary Question is hardly a suitable vehicle for the Government to outline their policy on such an important matter? Will he liaise with his right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to arrange a full day's debate on this important subject so that the Government can outline their policy?

Mr. Benn

I should greatly welcome a whole day's debate. I think that most Ministers would welcome the opportunity to debate their problems with the House of Commons. It is not for me to decide, but I shall convey to my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House what the hon. Gentleman has said.