Sizewell (Hansard, 15 July 1981)

§ Mr. David Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate for the commencement of the proposed public inquiry into the Sizewell pressurised water reactor.

§ Mr. David Howell
It is hoped that the inquiry will begin in the latter half of 1982.
An announcement will be made in due course.

§ Mr. David Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he hopes to announce the terms of reference for the public inquiry into Sizewell B.

§ Mr. David Howell
An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

§ Mr. David Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the projected cost of Sizewell B; and how this compares with the projected cost of Torness.

§ Mr. David Howell
The nuclear industry is developing, for the power station proposed for Sizewell B, a design to provide a PWR in the most cost effective manner consistent with United Kingdom safety requirements. Until this work is complete, it will not be possible to give a precise estimate of cost.
The cost of constructing the Torness AGR is a matter for the South of Scotland Electricity Board, for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has ministerial responsibility.

§ Mr. David Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects the nuclear installation inspectorate to complete its safety assessment for the Sizewell pressurised water reactor.

§ Mr. David Howell
The assessment work being carried out by the nuclear installations inspectorate on the safety case for the proposed Sizewell B PWR is proceeding. It is a continuing process with several points at which major decisions are needed. These include the consent to start construction, the consent to load fuel, and the consent to operate at power, under conditions set in the license.
The nuclear installations inspectorate will publish an account of its assessment to date before the start of the proposed public inquiry. This account will include special attention to those matters which must be considered before consent can be given to the start of construction work.