HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 cc20-1
14. Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is now able to make a statement about the turbine generator orders for the advanced gas-cooled reactor power stations at Torness and Heysham.

Mr. Norman Lamont

This is primarily a matter for the generating boards. An announcement will be made shortly.

Mr. Thomas

Will the Minister be more specific? He will know of the concern of all those who work in the industry that this announcement should be made. We have been told that it might be made before the end of this month. Can he confirm that? Second, did the Minister see the " Panorama " programme last week and the outrageous attacks made in it on the whole AGR programme? Will he resist that kind of public relations blandishment, stick to his guns, get on with this programme and get the orders placed? Regardless of the merits of nuclear power or nay, if we are to proceed in this direction we should do so quickly.

Mr. Lamont

I cannot be more specific. The hon. Gentleman will have to await the announcement that will be made shortly. I am afraid that I did not see the television programme to which he referred, although I have had a report about it. We will not be pushed into any particular solution or reactor choice. This matter requires the most detailed, careful and intensive study.