HC Deb 28 February 1977 vol 927 cc22-3W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will revise the nuclear figures contained in his Answer, Official Report, 6th August 1976, column 1091, on the basis of a more critical analysis of nuclear costings as outlined in his speech, Official Report, 8th February 1977, column 1262;

(2) if he will revise the coal figures contained in his Answer, Official Report, 6th August 1976, column 1091, on the basis of a more critical analysis of coal costings as outlined in his speech in the Official Report, 8th February 1977, column 1262, including (a) research and distribution of fluidised bed combustion techniques and improvements in technology (b) sulphur dioxide disposal, (c) flyash waste disposal in environmentally suitable areas and (d) cost benefit analysis of the desecration of areas such as the Vale of Belvoir.

Mr. Eadie

The costs given on 6th August 1976 for electricity generation from coal, nuclear and oil in 1975–76 were CEGB figures for stations commissioned in the previous twelve years. The cost of fuel consumed at these stations during that year was included. Estimates of future costs are one of the factors we shall keep under close review as consideration of fuel policy develops. This was one of the issues that my right hon. Friend pointed to in the Second Reading debate on the Nuclear Industry (Finance) Bill on 8th February.

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