HC Deb 16 May 1977 vol 932 cc61-2W
Dr. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what public funds are to be made available to those objecting to the Windscale scheme.

Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any public assistance will be given to established groups wishing to be represented at the Windscale inquiry.

Mr. Shore

The problem of inquiry costs is not a new one and it has been looked at on several occasions. I am not convinced of the need to depart from the present policy, which is that the parties are normally expected to bear their own costs. This policy accords with the Council of Tribunal's 1964 Report on the subject, which has been accepted by successive Governments. I am confident that the independent and eminent inspector and accessors that I have appointed to hold the Windscale inquiry will investigate in the public interest thoroughly and impartially all the issues relevant to my eventual decision on the planning application which is the subject of the inquiry, including in particular relevant issues raised by those entitled to make representations.