HC Deb 19 October 1988 vol 138 c855W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the effect on the initial market value of a privatised electricity industry, of a requirement that at least 20 per cent, of generating capacity should now be non-fossil fuel based.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The market value of the electricity industry will depend on a wide range of factors including the profitability of the companies, their capital structures, their future prospects and the state of the market. It is imposssible to say to what extent any particular factor will contribute to this.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals there are to require private companies operating nuclear power stations after the privatisation of the electricity industry to take out insurance against major nuclear accidents.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Meirionydd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas) on 3 March 1988, col.649.