HC Deb 23 May 1979 vol 967 cc1030-2
7. Mr. Ancram

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to review the proposed construction of a nuclear power station at Torness.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Alexander Fletcher)

No, Sir. The South of Scotland Electricity Board was given the necessary planning and expenditure consents to go ahead with construction of the power station at Torness by the previous Administration, and preliminary site work is already committed and under way. The board will, of course, require to obtain a nuclear site licence from the nuclear installations inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive.

Mr. Ancram

Is my hon. Friend aware of the growing concern not only in that area but in Edinburgh about the safety aspect especially as it was never publicly examined at the time of the inquiry? Does he agree that it is the Government's duty to assure the people that the project is safe rather than the duty of the people to prove to the Government that it is not?

Mr. Fletcher

The health and safety aspects were considered at the public inquiry. Evidence was given both by objectors and nuclear inspectors. The public can and do make representations to the Health and Safety Executive. Both the executive and the Health and Safety Commission regularly publish reports of their proceedings.

Mr. David Steel

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there will be great disappointment that the Government have not taken the opportunity to review the decision, given that it was made and based on a very old public planning inquiry rather than one related to the needs of the industry? Will he note that there is widespread and growing concern among both the population and the local authorities in the South of Scotland?

Mr. Fletcher

There is also growing concern among the public about supplies of energy generally, including oil, about which a statement is to be made later this afternoon. As the right hon. Member for Rutherglen (Mr. MacKenzie) indicated in the House on 4 December 1978, the public inquiry held in June 1974 was broad in scope and considered not only matters of local planning significance but the wider issues involved. I see no reason to dispute the conclusion reached by the previous Administration.

Mr. Home Robertson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Torness is in the constituency of Berwick and East Lothian, where the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Ancram) was last heard of in October 1974? As the Minister must be aware that there is considerable public disquiet about the safety of nuclear power within my constituency, what does he intend to do to allay those fears? Will he use his influence with the Leader of the House to have an early debate on the subject in the Chamber?

Mr. Fletcher

The last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is a matter for other occupants of the Treasury Bench. He may have the opportunity to raise it on the Adjournment motion later today. He spoke of public concern about safety factors. He will know that the inspectors issue a series of licences as the work progresses. They do so only if they are entirely satisfied with the progress.

Mr. Corrie

Does my hon. Friend agree that there has never been a death from a nuclear accident in Britain? Does he agree that if we do not have a rapidly-improving nuclear power industry we shall run very short in the coming winter?

Mr. Fletcher

Yes.