§ 87. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Power why he has agreed to a change in the depreciation period for nuclear power stations from 20 to 25 years; and on what technical evidence he bases this decision for the advanced gas-cooled reactors.
§ Mr. MasonNuclear stations are designed for a 30-year life. Until recently, the C.E.G.B. worked on a 20-year life for purposes of cost comparisons of A.G.R. and conventional stations. It now regards this as unduly cautious and conservative in view of the experience accumulated in the design and engineering of A.G.R.s., and has accordingly changed to 25 years.