§ 39. Mr. Patrick Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the current effect upon electricity prices of nuclear generation.
§ 51. Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about the current effect on electricity prices of nuclear generated electricity.
§ Mr. GoodladAt present, nuclear generation accounts for around 17 per cent. of electricity output in England and Wales. The fuel cost advantage of the CEGB's existing nuclear power stations is such that they are significantly cheaper to run than even the most modern coal-fired plant. The industry estimates that, at the current level of nuclear output, running costs are lower that they would otherwise be by well over £500 million per annun, equivalent to about 5 per cent. on prices. This does not take into account the additional costs which would arise in any replacement of existing nuclear stations by other forms of generation.