§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will instruct the corporate communications department of Scottish Nuclear Ltd. to refrain from using company resources to promote the case for privatisation. [38752]
§ Mr. KynochThe Government have announced their intention to privatise the advanced gas-cooled reactor and the pressurised water reactors power stations currently owned by SNL and Nuclear Electric.
Scottish Nuclear is a limited company governed by the Companies Acts and bound by its memorandum and articles of association. The directors of the company are obliged by law to act in the best interests of Scottish Nuclear and it is for them to decide the company's corporate communications policy.
§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the transfer of responsibility for nuclear safety of Scottish Nuclear from Mr. Richard Killick to Mr. John McKeown between 30 August and 7 September; and what assessment he has made of what transition period is sufficient for the transfer of responsibility for safety at nuclear power stations. [38750]
§ Mr. KynochStaff changes within Scottish Nuclear below board level are a matter for that company's management. However I can confirm that Dr. McKeown was the director of safety at Scottish Nuclear prior to Mr. Killick's appointment and has long experience of nuclear safety issues. Scottish Nuclear has an excellent safety record.
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