§ Mr. McKelveyasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much each of the advanced gas-cooled reactor power stations cost to build; how long each took to be constructed; and how many are working to their expected capacity.
§ Mr. MellorI am advised by the CEGB that the information is as follows:
Start of construction *Estimated cost £ million Dungeness B 1966 570 Hinkley Point B 1967 (actual cost)185 Hartlepool 1968 530 Heysham I 1970 535 Heysham II 1981 1,585 * Cost of construction from start on site to commercial operation of first reactor.
The cost estimates include the initial fuel charge and are based on actual expenditure to 31 March 1982 plus estimates of subsequent expenditure at constant March 1982 prices.
Hinckley Point B, which was completed in 1976, is operating at up to 80 per cent. of its original design output rating. Dungeness B, Hartlepool and Heysham I are expected to commence generation in the first half of next year. Heysham II is expected to commence generation in 1987. AGR in Scotland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.