Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many(a) individual, (b) organisations and (c) foreign objections to the Hinkley Point C pressurised water reactor application by the Central Electricity Generating Board had been registered at his Department by 4 October.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerOver 9,000 individuals and over 350 organisations are registered as objectors to Hinkley Point C pursuant to section 34 of the Electricity Act 1957.
Overseas objectors cannot be so registered and have no entitlement to appear at the public inquiry. However, the inquiry inspector has the discretion to allow overseas objectors to appear.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many departmental officials have attended, and for what period of time, the Hinkley Point C public inquiry since it opened on 4 October; and what level of departmental representation he expects to maintain during the remainder of the inquiry.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThree officials from my Department attended the opening day of the inquiry on 4 October; one attended on 19 October.
My Department's witness to the inquiry began giving evidence on 26 October and is supported by six officials. These officials will continue to attend the inquiry for as long as the Department's witness is required to give evidence although not all of them will necessarily be present throughout that period.
After my Department has given evidence my officials might attend on particular days as necessary.