Hunterston (Reactor Closure)

HC Deb 18 January 1978 vol 942 cc426-8

3. Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the recent closedown of an advanced gas-cooled reactor at Hunterston and what are the consequences for the Scottish electricity generation programme.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet) and my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 15th December. The South of Scotland Electricity Board does not expect to encounter any difficulty, as a result of the incident at Hunterston, in meeting the demand for electricity.

Mr. Wilson

In that event, will the Minister of State indicate whether the Government intend to Dress forward with the Craigroyston pumped storage project before the use of the Torness site? If the Government intend to use the Torness site, will there be a fresh public inquiry, because the previous public inquiry related to the SGHW reactor?

Mr. MacKenzie

The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board has not as yet put forward specific proposals to me or my Department on the Craigroyston project. I know that it is discussing the matter with many of the local people concerned and that it is listening to their views. On Torness, until the Government have decided on the type of reactor to be built it would be precipitate to make any announcement on the question of a planning inquiry.

Dr. Bray

Are the reports correct that, in spite of the availability of electricity from other sources, those other sources are more expensive, and that the accident at Hunterston will therefore result in a substantial increase in the price of electricity in Scotland?

Mr. MacKenzie

Electricity will have to be supplied from more expensive sources, but since we have not yet had a full and final report from the electricity board, because it has not completed its inquiry, and we do not know how long the station will be closed, it would not be right to make any judgments about the effect on tariffs.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Is the Minister aware that we share his sadness and that of the House on the passing of William Small? He was among the kindest and most conscientious of our colleagues. He had a superb record of service to both Glasgow and the trade union movement.

When does the Minister expect the problems of Hunterston to be resolved? Secondly, will he comment on the apparent difficulty of the SNP in supporting the extension of nuclear power in Scotland while holding rallies and handing out pamphlets opposing the dumping of nuclear waste anywhere in Scotland?

Mr. MacKenzie

I am sorry, but I cannot tell the hon. Member when we shall have a report. I can assure him, however, that the electricity board is conducting a thorough inquiry and will want as much publicity as possible for it. On the second point, concerning the attitude of the SNP, I am sure the hon. Member will agree that we are all sometimes somewhat confused by that party's attitude not only to this problem but to many others. That attitude seems to depend on which day of the week the speech is made and who happens to make it.

Mr. Dalyell

Is it premature to ask my right hon. Friend to confirm that what occurred at Hunterston will not be regarded as a black mark when crucial decisions are taken upon the advanced gas-cooled reactor system?

Mr. MacKenzie

I have discussed this with the chairman of the electricity board and he has assured me that this will in no way prejudice further discussion of the matter.