HL Deb 22 January 1987 vol 483 cc1034-5

3.24 p.m.

Lord Ezra

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when publication of the Sizewell Report will take place in view of indications in the press that it has now been submitted to the Secretary of State for Energy.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Energy has today announced in another place that he will be publishing the report on Monday next, 26th January.

Lord Ezra

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Viscount for such a clear Answer to that Question. I should like to ask him whether, in view of the very great public interest in the prospect of another nuclear power station, there would be adequate debate in your Lordships' House on the report before a decision is taken by the Secretary of State?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, that will be a matter for the usual channels, but they are here.

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, can the noble Viscount give and indication as to the length of time which will elapse before Her Majesty's Government are able to give us their views on and a considered judgment of the report that they intend to publish?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, my right honourable friend has said that he has asked the Leader of the House of another place to arrange a debate there so that Members of that House may express their views before he reaches his decision.

Baroness Robson of Kiddington

My Lords, does the noble Viscount agree that it is perfectly legitimate for Members of this House to be concerned about expenditure incurred in keeping open the options at Sizewell? Ten months ago, on 16th April 1986, the noble Lord, Lord Stoddart of Swindon, quoted a letter from the noble Lord, Lord Gray of Contin, where he stated that the cost is £8.8 million per month, which in a year works out at £105.6 million. Since that debate took place I make the cost £90 million. I agree that we are happy that the report is going to be published on Monday, but we should also like, with due respect to this House having time to debate it, a decision to be taken as soon as possible.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I take note of what the noble Baroness has said.

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