§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Energy what advice he receives from the Central Electricity Generating Board on matters concerning the acquisition of new nuclear power station sites.
Mr. BermThe Central Electricity Generating Board is responsible for the selection of sites for all types of generating station. Whilst it does not normally consult me on the acquisition of sites, it needs my consent before it can construct a 227W station and I would therefore expect to be consulted before a firm decision is taken.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to encourage greater public involvement in decisions concerning sites for nuclear installations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennThe provisions for the public to express their views on installations of this kind are the same as those for other sorts of development. In addition, for nuclear installations the safeguards of the Nuclear Installations and Radioactive Substances Acts apply.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will ensure that on the terms of reference of future public inquiries into nuclear power station sites there is power to consider and challenge the need for the installation;
(2) if he will ensure that in the terms of reference of future public inquiries into nuclear power station sites there is power to consider effluent standards and nuclear waste disposal methods.
§ Mr. BennAt public inquiries into proposals for generating stations the Central Electricity Generating Board is free to state, and objectors to challenge, the need for the proposed development, and to consider the environmental effects.