§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the provisions for approving the construction of atomic power stations by the Central Electricity Generating Board.
§ Mr. BennWhen the Central Electricity Generating Board proposes to construct a nuclear power station on a site in England or Wales it applies to me for consent under Section 2 of the Electric Lighting Act 1909 and also for a direction under Section 40 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 that planning permission for the development be deemed to be granted. The proposal is publicly advertised and the comments of local planning authorities are invited. Section 34 of the Electricity Act 1957 provides for a public inquiry to be held in case of objection by a local planning authority or, if appropriate, in the case of other objections. The public inquiry is also advertised and before determining whether to give consent I consider the objections and the report of the persons who held the inquiry.
In the case of a nuclear power station, a nuclear site licence issued under Section 1 of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 is also necessary.