HC Deb 12 January 1988 vol 125 c144
Q7. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Prime Minister whether she has any plans to pay a further visit to Newport, West.

The Prime Minister

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Flynn

Is the Prime Minister aware of the deep public anxiety felt by the people of Newport, West about the possibility of a new nuclear power station being added to the most crowded nuclear park in Europe, with eight nuclear reactors within a 25-mile radius of 241/4 million people? Is the Prime Minister aware of a statutory instrument which was introduced on the final sitting day before Christmas which will severely restrict the ability of the 8,000 protestors to present their case as fully and fairly as they could have done in the past? What action will the Prime Minister take to guarantee the right of protestors to present their case without obstacle or obstruction and with sufficient time?

The Prime Minister

I think that the rights of protestors at any planning inquiry in this country exceed those in almost any other country. They are considerable. Any difficulty or protest should be presented either to the inquiry or to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.