§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total cost and value of third party insurance for the consequences of any nuclear accident at Torness power station; and if he will make a statement on the proportion of the risk which is carried by the Government, the South of Scotland Electricity Board and insurance companies, respectively.
§ Mr. LangThe Nuclear Installations Act 1965 requires all operators of nuclear sites to make provision, either by insurance or other means, to meet claims for compensation in respect of injury or damage arising from a nuclear accident. The level required under the Act is currently £20 million. The cost to the South of Scotland Electricity Board of providing this cover is a matter for the board. Any claims in excess of the operator's liability and up to a sterling equivalent of 300 million special drawing rights (about £230 million) would be met from public funds. Beyond that, the Act provides that claims shall be satisfied to such extent and out of funds provided by such means as Parliament may determine.