§ 33. Mr. PrescottTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether any new assessment of the health, environmental and economic implications of nuclear power that takes into account factors that have emerged since the Sizewell public inquiry, will be given by his Department to the Hinkley Point C inquiry.
§ Mr. ParkinsonAs required by the procedure rules governing this inquiry I have made a statement of those matters which appear to me to be relevant to my consideration of the CEGB's application. These concern economic, safety, environmental and planning matters and424W were reported to the House in my answer of 21 March 1988 to the hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) at columns 21–22.
A Department of Energy witness will appear at the inquiry to clarify the Government policies referred to in paragraph (1) of my statement. The Department of the Environment, the Department of Transport and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have also offered witnesses to clarify relevant Government policies for which those Departments are responsible. The nuclear installations inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive will give independent expert evidence on safety aspects.
The conduct of the inquiry is the responsibility of the inspector, who is able to invite expert witnesses to give evidence on any relevant matters which, in his view, might not otherwise be properly covered.