HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 c644
18. Mr. John Mark Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the latest performance against planned output of nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Goodlad

I am advised by the chairman of the CEGB that the board's fully commissioned nuclear stations are performing as planned and making a major contribution to the country's electricity supply. The AGRs at Dungeness B, Hartlepool and Heysham I have all provided valuable commercial output, but there are still problems to overcome before they are fully commissioned. Power stations in Scotland are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Taylor

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply. Does he agree that as the nation has reached the point of buying cheap nuclear-generated electricity from France it is time that our nuclear industry made progress and went faster?

Mr. Goodlad

My hon. Friend is right. Nuclear power has the potential to produce electricity more cheaply than other types of fuel, provided that our nuclear power stations can be built to time and cost. The Government continue to attach great importance to the safe and economic development of nuclear power.

Mr. Evans

Does the Minister expect the PWR at Sizewell to be on stream by 1996? Is he aware of the widespread opposition of the staff and work force of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to the PWR programme? Why does he not stick to AGR?

Mr. Goodlad

That matter is the subject of the inspector's report on the Sizewell inquiry, which we are still awaiting. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on it.

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