Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he possesses regarding the availability for examination by independent civil engineering consultancy organisations of the full design plans of each of the Central Electricity Generating Board Magnox nuclear plants in advance of the beginning of decommissioning of the older reactors.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIt is the responsibility of the Central Electricity Generating Board to make detailed856W plans for the decommissioning of its Magnox reactors. The board's plans will be assessed by the independent nuclear installations inspectorate, and will need to be approved by it before they can be implemented.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on current government policy on the time period over which the decommissioning of older Magnox reactors is expected to take place.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board. I have asked the chairman to reply direct to the hon. Member.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) how many applications have been made to the nuclear installations inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive by the Central Electricity Generating Board to operate a Magnox nuclear power station in an experimental way to test reactor cooling by convection; and if he will make a statement;
(2) on how many occasions his Department has been notified by the Central Electricity Generating Board that it intended to operate Magnox nuclear power stations in an experimental way to test reactor cooling by convection; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is the first occasion that the CEGB has decided to carry out a test of the kind proposed at Trawsfynydd. Similar tests have been successfully carried out, by the South of Scotland Electricity Board at Hunterston A in 1981, and by BNF plc at Calder Hall in 1985 and 1986, with the full approval of the NII. The proposed test will proceed only if the HSE's NII is totally satisfied as to safety.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy, what papers have been commissioned(a) within his Department, (b) from external consultants, (c) from the Central Electricity Generating Board and South of Scotland Electricity Board and (d) from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority on the implications for privatisation of the electricity supply industry of the decommissioning of the Magnox reactors.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked for advice from a wide range of sources on many issues concerned with the proposed privatisation of the electricity supply industry. Advice given to Ministers on this basis is confidential.