§ Mr. Swainasked the Minister of Power if he will now appoint an independent body to conduct a complete investigation into the cost of the production of nuclear energy.
§ Mr. MarshAs I said in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Ince, on 11th December, I know of no "independent" body with a comparable degree of expertise or experience in this field to the Atomic Energy Authority, the Central Electricity Generating Board and the Chief Scientist's Division of my Department, all of whom took part in the studies of nuclear energy costs recently made as part of the fuel policy review.
The National Coal Board also participated in the second stage of this work. —[Vol. 756, c. 57.]
§ Mr. Swainasked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the present 200W economic situation, he will suspend a major part of the nuclear energy programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarshNo. Lower load expectations and the need for economy in capital expenditure have slowed down the start of new generating capacity of all types.