§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what role his Department has in respect of applications for new nuclear power stations; and if he will make a statement. [8463]
§ Mr. Page[holding answer 11 December 1996]: Proposals for new power stations in England and Wales over 50 MWs in capacity require my Department's consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. All such applications are considered on their individual merits against the background of a policy that, as a general rule, matters such as the need for a generating station, its capacity, choice of fuel used and type of plant are commercial matters for the applicant.