NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS: PROVISION FOR DECOMMISSIONING COSTS

HL Deb 25 November 1986 vol 482 cc534-6WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What annual provision is now made by the CEGB and the SSEB towards the eventual decommissioning costs of nuclear power stations; and whether this is adequate in the light of a provision of £20 million in 1979–80, and subsequent experience.

Viscount Davidson

It is the policy of the CEGB and the SSEB to build up the appropriate provision for the eventual cost of decommissioning nuclear power stations by charging consumers over the expected operating lifetime of the stations. Therefore the required provision for each individual station, based on the board's own technical studies, is intended to be built up by the shutdown date of that station but not before. The accumulated provisions to 31st March 1986, including those for residual fuel, and as provided for in the boards' audited accounts, were £930 million for the CEGB and £155 million for the SSEB. The increases in accumulated provisions during 1985–86 were £95 million and £27 million respectively. I am advised by the boards that the amounts provided are adequate.