§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to make a statement on the choice of nuclear reactor for the next nuclear power station programme of the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board.
§ Mr. VarleyThe Government intend to announce their decisions on reactor choice as soon as possible, but these will not be taken until the House has had an opportunity to debate the matter.
§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is aware of the widespread concern in Suffolk at the proposal that the Central Electricity Generating Board installs a United States water-cooled nuclear reactor power station at Sizewell when the relevant safety factors are still open to doubt; and if he will make an early policy statement.
§ Mr. VarleyThe board has made alternative applications for consent to build a power station to use one of various nuclear reactors including that mentioned by the hon. Member. No consent will be issued until the Government have decided on the type of reactor to be used in the nuclear programme and a nuclear site licence can also be issued on suitable safety conditions. I have already promised that the House will first be given the opportunity to consider these matters.