HC Deb 09 May 1988 vol 133 cc6-7
9. Mr. Haynes

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the future funding of the fast breeder reactor project at Dounreay, Scotland.

Mr. Parkinson

My Department reviews its expenditure on research and development each year, including that on the fast reactor. All options are considered, but no decisions have yet been taken.

Mr. Haynes

I know what the Secretary of State is up to. I can read it like a book, and I can read him like a book, too. There is a cut back on the financing of future projects. The same is true of research and development.

Mr. Parkinson

indicated dissent.

Mr. Haynes

The Secretary of State should not look surprised. We know what is going on. The Government are cutting back on expenditure with a view to privatisation, so that they can have a cheap rake-off in other public industries. Here we go again, this time with electricity.

Mr. Speaker

Briefly, please.

Mr. Haynes

I shall be brief, Mr. Speaker. I ask the Secretary of State to come off it and to be honest at the Dispatch Box with the people of this nation.

Mr. Parkinson

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his brevity and for the quietness with which he asked his question. This matter is in no way connected with the privatisation of electricity. The only connection is that the CEGB has been funding 30 per cent. of the cost of the fast reactor. The fact that it has taken a decision about its expenditure in no way affects the overall decision on the fast reactor. It is a complex issue and one to which we are giving serious consideration. It also has international aspects. Above all, it has enormous implications for the people of Caithness and Sutherland. We recognise our obligations to them, and when I am ready I shall come to the House with a statement about our policy. We are not ready to do so yet, and we are not prepared to be bounced by inaccurate newspaper articles.

Mr. Haynes

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Maclennan

I thank the Secretary of State for his robust recognition of his obligations.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am not able to hear the hon. Member. I shall have to call him on another question, because this matter is to be raised on the Adjournment.