§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest estimate of the cost of Sizewell B and the likely dates of completion and fuel loading.
§ Mr. WakehamThe latest estimate of the capital cost of Sizewell B is £1.87 billion at 1987 prices, derived from evidence given by the CEGB to the Hinkley Point C inquiry in September 1989. This represented an increase of about 10 per cent. over the previous estimate of £1.69 billion as sanctioned by the CEGB in April 1987, which was consistent in 1982 prices in real terms with the estimate of £1.17 billion given to the Sizewell inquiry.
The timetable for the completion of the station is a matter for Nuclear Electric plc. The CEGB indicated in its last report and accounts that it aimed to achieve full commercial load in May 1994, six months after the start of fuel loading.