§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list his estimate at 1987–88 prices for decommissioning Magnox, advanced gas cooled reactor and pressurised water reactor nuclear power stations; what sums are currently set aside by the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board respectively, for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on his Departmental responsibility once the electricity supply industry is privatised;
(2) what provisions have been made in their annual accounts by the Central Electricity Generating Board and 284W the South of Scotland Electricity Board, respectively, for the decommissioning of Magnox and other nuclear reactors in the period 1970–87, at 1987 prices;
(3) how he will ensure that following privatisation adequate finance is available to cover the full costs of decommissioning Magnox reactors, including both the removal and storage costs of nuclear waste involved.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe total of the board's provisions for decommissioning, reprocessing of irradiated fuel and other liabilities, including the additional provision of £732 million made in 1987–88, was £3,367 million at 31 March 1988.
After privatisation, provisions will continue to be made for decommissioning; and these will continue to be recovered in electricity prices.
Estimates of decommissioning costs are a matter for the CEGB. Matters relating to the SSEB are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.