HC Deb 21 December 1967 vol 756 cc522-3W
Mr. McGuire

asked the Minister of Power whether he will revise the nuclear power programme now that the estimated cost per unit sent out from Dungeness B nuclear power station is higher than the cost per unit sent out from coal-fired stations like Cottam, in view of the fact that the Fuel Policy White Paper assumed that it would be cheaper.

Mr. Freeson:

There is no change in the estimates which calls for a revision of the nuclear power programme.

Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Minister of Power what is the cost per annum of nuclear power research; and to what extent it is a direct charge on the production of electricity produced by a nuclear power station.

Mr. Freeson:

About a quarter of the Central Electricity Generating Board's revenue expenditure of £8 million on research and development in the latest year related to nuclear research, and the whole of this expenditure is charged to revenue account. As regards the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's research and development expenditure, which is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology, I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Authority's Introductory Memorandum published in the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology on the Nuclear Reactor Programme and to Appendix 3 to the Minutes of Evidence.

Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Minister of Power what is the estimated cost per unit sent out by the coal-fired power station at Cottam and the nuclear station Hinkley Point B, on the basis of a 75 per cent. load factor and eight per cent. interest rate and including the royalty paid to the Atomic Energy Authority.

Mr. Freeson:

0.56d. and 0.52d. respectively.

Mr. McGuire

asked the Minister of Power if he will state the reasons for the increase in capital costs at the Dungeness B nuclear station from £104.82/kw in March 1967 to £110/kw now.

Mr. Freeson:

Because interest during construction was calculated at 5½ per cent. in March 1967 and at 8 per cent. now, as mentioned in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon (Mr. Woof) on 13th December.—[Vol. 756, c.185.]