HC Deb 30 January 1989 vol 146 cc10-1
12. Mr. Ground

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of contracts in the Sizewell B development will be placed with British firms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Parkinson

The placing of contracts is a commercial matter for the CEGB. It advises me that about 90 per cent. by value of the project contracts for the Sizewell B PWR are expected to be placed with firms in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ground

Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is a very high figure and shows that the benefits of the Sizewell B development will be felt not only in the electricity industry but throughout British industry?

Mr. Parkinson

Yes. The programme for modernising and improving the electricity supply industry—both the generation and the distribution of electricity—will be a source of valuable business for British industry in the years ahead.

Mr. Bill Walker

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the contracts that are going out for the Sizewell B development contain any provision for air monitoring of nuclear fallout? If not, can he explain why measurements in my constituency over the weekend show a fallout of 40 times the Government's levels? There is considerable doubt about whether air monitoring is effective.

Mr. Parkinson

I cannot tell my hon. Friend whether these contracts contain provisions for air monitoring. I shall look into the point that he raises and shall be in touch with him about it.