HC Deb 19 March 1979 vol 964 cc1086-8
12. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the current position about the shareholding of the National Nuclear Corporation.

Mr. Benn

The shares of the National Nuclear Corporation are currently held in the proportions: Atomic Energy Authority—35 per cent.; General Electric Company—30 per cent.: and British Nuclear Associates—35 per cent. I am continuing to discuss the future organisation of the industry with the parties involved.

Mr. Skeet

Is the Secretary of State aware that that situation has continued for the past 12 months without any agreement? Does he recollect that only a week or so ago he recommended the nationalisation of the National Nuclear Corporation? Is he further aware that the only way to get the nuclear industry right is by a partnership with private enterprise? Why does he not pursue that course?

Mr. Benn

The hon. Gentleman has got the matter substantially wrong. I have had discussions with the AEA, the CEGB, the National Nuclear Corporation, General Electric, the unions and the industry. It is possible to proceed only by consent, because the previous Government organised matters so that it was not possible for a Secretary of State for Energy to carry through his policy other than with the consent of GEC.

Mr. Skeet

The right hon. Gentleman wants to nationalise the NNC.

Mr. Benn

The hon. Gentleman should be patient for a moment. I took the views of those in the industry, and there was an overwhelming majority for public ownership among the employees of the NNC. The view has been expressed by both sides at Risley and Whetstone. I asked the unions concerned to take advice on the matter.

The negotiations that are taking place concern the immediate position, so as not to endanger the present nuclear programme, and, more generally, the future of the NNC, which depends entirely for its business upon sums paid by public authorities.

Mr. Dalyell

Is it not also a fact that employees of the NNC have made it clear that they would find any idea of private shareholdings highly objectionable?

Mr. Benn

I thought it right, when we were considering the matter, to talk not only to the public authorities but to the industries concerned—British Nuclear Associates as well as GEC—and that it was right also to seek the views of those working in the industry. As the NNC is a design organisation, those views must carry some weight. However, it is not possible to provide a resolution without consent, notably from GEC, which was put in a powerful position by the previous Government when the present arrangements were entered into.

Mr. Tom King

The Secretary of State will recall that this matter came up at the last Energy Question Time. Is he aware that since then I have had correspondence alleging that he has seriously misled the House—as he has again today—about the attitude of NNC employees to the proposals for public ownership? Will he give the House the evidence on which his claim is based? Can he also give us an indication whether he has support from the National Enterprise Board or the CEGB for his proposals for public ownership?

Mr. Benn

The information about the views of those working in the industry was conveyed to me by the unions. They had taken the view of their members—and it was right for them to do so—and I shall consult them about whether the figures given to me at that time can be made public. I should be perfectly happy to make the information available to the House. I think that the hon. Member would be surprised if he saw the figures.

I have had negotiations with the CEGB, but one of the problems that will have to be solved sooner or later is the interrelationship between the NCC and the CEGB at Barnwood, where there is some overlapping. Those who are seriously interested in the matter will realise that that is one reason why it is taking some time.