§ 3.11 p.m.
§ Lord Jenkins of Putney asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether, having regard to the warnings contained in the letter they have received from Professor John Horlock, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Nuclear Installations, they will set up an urgent review of their nuclear policy.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Strathclyde)My Lords, the Government have already announced their intention to conduct a review of the future prospects for nuclear power. The Government are currently considering options for the scope and format of that review and I cannot prejudge that.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. In view of Professor 571 Horlock's public letter, which was an unusual course for the chairman of a government committee to take, it is thought that the Government are dragging their feet in respect of this matter. Will the Minister assure the House that that is not the case? Will he say when the review will begin and when it is expected to end? I shall not ask him to tell us the result, but ask him to inform the House a little more than he has done.
§ Lord StrathclydeMy Lords, I can tell the noble Lord that the Government are wholly committed to the review. However, I cannot tell him when the review will start.
§ Lord Beaumont of WhitleyMy Lords, will the Minister reassure the House that, as has been suggested and contrary to what was suggested in the letter, there will be no danger of the suspension of normal democratic procedures, such as public inquiries into the disposal of waste?
§ Lord StrathclydeMy Lords, I can assure the noble Lord and the House that that is the case.
§ Lord DonoughueMy Lords, while looking forward to this important review, will the Minister assure noble Lords that its terms of reference will be of the widest range? Will they contain full and true economic costing on a proper accounting basis, including decommissioning and waste disposal costs? Will the review also take into account environmental, social and health considerations?
§ Lord StrathclydeMy Lords, the Government are still considering the terms of the review but, naturally, the noble Lord's comments will be taken into account.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, does the Minister agree that, as a result of Professor Horlock's warning that public health is at risk from existing nuclear waste and that if THORP were to open nuclear waste would greatly increase, the matter is urgent and important and should be given immediate attention?
§ Lord StrathclydeMy Lords, the noble Lord will know that the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate has the power to ensure that all stores are maintained in a safe condition.