HC Deb 20 July 1988 vol 137 c652W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on(a) the eventual total cost and (b) the annual cost for each of the next 10 years of the decommissioning of Berkeley Magnox nuclear power station.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The CEGB estimates the eventual total cost of decommissioning Berkeley power station at about £300 million. The board expects that a total of about £80 million will be spent during stages 1 and 2 of the decommissioning process which are planned to occur in the first 10–15 years after shutdown. Both estimates are at March 1988 prices.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the effect on(a) the book value and (b) the market value of the major electricity generating successor company of the decommissioning of Berkeley Magnox nuclear power station.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The CEGB has already made substantial provision in its accounts for the decommissioning of the Berkeley power station. As a result of the decision to close the station, the book value of the CEGB will have to be reduced by the residual value of the Berkeley station together with the remaining decommissioning provisions originally due to be made between now and the end of the life of the station. The market value of the successors to the CEGB will be determined by many factors, including market conditions at the time of the sale.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if any public funds(a) have been or (b) will be committed to the Central Electricity Generating Board in connection with the decommissioning of Berkeley Magnox nuclear power station.

Mr. Michael Spicer

During the operating lifetime of nuclear stations, the CEGB make provisions in the board's accounts with the aim of accumulating sufficient funds to meet the total estimated cost of decommissioning. The board's annual accounts explain the accounting policies adopted.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the effects on the balance between nuclear and non-nuclear capacity in the electricity generating industry when privatised of the decommissioning of Berkeley Magnox nuclear power station.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Berkeley represents less than 0.5 per cent. of the CEGB's total capacity and its closure is not therefore significant.