Nuclear Power Station, Bradwell

HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc84-5W

21. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why it was decided to build a nuclear power station at Bradwell, Essex, rather than at Holywell Point, which Central Electricity Authority witnesses at the public inquiry admitted to be a suitable site, and which is a site free from many of the objections that have been made to the Bradwell site.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The Central Electricity Authority applied for my consent to the Bradwell site as being the one most suitable for their purpose, and I came to the conclusion, taking all the many factors into consideration, that my consent should be given to it.

22. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, before deciding to approve the siting of a nuclear power station at Bradwell, Essex, he studied in detail the evidence given at the public inquiry into this matter, as well as the report of the inspector who conducted the inquiry; and if he will place a copy of the full verbatim record of the inquiry in the Library for the information of hon. Members.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The Answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". As regards the second part, I am arranging for a transcript of the evidence given at the public inquiry to be placed in the Library.

23. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what considerations led him to disregard the evidence given by expert marine biologists concerning the effect on marine life in the Blackwater estuary of the building of a nuclear power station at Bradwell, Essex; and what compensation he proposes to offer to the oyster fishermen and others whose livelihood is likely to be affected.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Full weight was given to the evidence submitted by expert marine biologists, but I came to the conclusion, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, that the considerations put forward by them could not be regarded as decisive. Compensation is a matter for the Central Electricity Authority and not Her Majesty's Government.