§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what period the Sizewell B inquiry has run to date; and what has been the number of hearings in Suffolk and London; what is the estimated date of completion, the estimated duration between the commencement of proceedings and the publication of the report of the inspector and the cost so far incurred to date.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI have been asked to reply.
The main inquiry hearing began on 11 January 1983 at The Maltings, Snape, Suffolk, and has continued there since, apart from a session at Church house, Westminster, from 2 June to 29 July 1983. The period necessary for the proper conduct of the inquiry and the completion of the report is a matter for the inspector.
Costs up to 31 December 1983 falling to my Department were some £218,000. Other costs incurred to the same date in running the inquiry and recoverable from the CEGB by agreement with the board totalled some £777,000. Costs incurred by parties to the inquiry, including other costs by the CEGB, are a matter for them and are not included in this total.