HC Deb 04 July 1967 vol 749 cc206-8W
36. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Power within what geographical limits a suitable site for a nuclear power station is being sought along the Dorset coast west of Portland Bill; and what account is being taken of the natural beauty of this coastline.

Mr. Freeson

Site prospecting is a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board. I understand, however, that the area being studied is roughly a circle of radius 1,000 yards from Tidmoor Point. The Board has a statutory duty to take account of the natural beauty of the area.

45. Mr. McGuire

asked the Minister of Power whether he will defer his decision on the new advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear power stations at Hunterston, Seaton Carew and Heysham until the Select Committee on Science and Technology have reported to the House their views of the nuclear power programme.

Mr. Freeson

No, but my right hon. Friend will naturally take account of the Committee's report if it is available before he needs to take decisions on Seaton Carew and Heysham.

Mr. Clifford Williams

asked the Minister of Power what progress has been made by the departmental working party involving the Atomic Energy Authority, the Electricity Council, the Central Electricity Generating Board and the National Coal Board which is investigating the criticisms of estimated operating costs for the atomic gas-cooled reactor nuclear power stations.

Mr. Marsh

Discussions are continuing.

Mr. Concannon

asked the Minister of Power what he estimates is the loss of potential interest earnings on the extra capital cost of a nuclear power station the size of Dungeness "B" by comparison with a conventional station; whether this sum is charged against the estimated operating costs of the nuclear station; and what rate of earning is assumed on the excess capital.

Mr. McGuire

asked the Minister of Power what conclusions about the operating costs of the Dungeness "B" advanced gas-cooled reactor power station, based on a life of 20 years and a load factor of 75 per cent., have been drawn by the departmental working party consisting of representatives of the Atomic Energy Authority, the Electricity Council, the Central Electricity Generating Board, experts from his own Department and which has now been joined by representatives of the National Coal Board.

Mr. Freeson

At an interest rate of 8 per cent., the interest on the extra capital cost (inclusive of the initial nuclear fuel charge and of interest during construction) of Dungeness "B" as compared with a conventional station of the same size would be about £5 million a year initially. The savings which arise because the running costs of nuclear plant are much lower than those of conventional plant have to be set against the higher capital charges.

Further consideration is being given to methods of comparison in consultation with representatives of the N.C.B., the A.E.A. and the electricity supply industry.