HC Deb 25 January 1989 vol 145 cc619-20W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if his Department, or consultants to his Department, have carried out a comparative study of(a) public concern towards, and (b) the environmental intrusion of, renewable energy systems such as wind farms or wave generator arrays off shore, and nuclear power plants, respectively.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Energy Paper No. 54 "Energy Technologies for the United Kingdom: 1986 Appraisal of R, D and D" summarised the environmental implications of energy technologies in the United Kingdom. Appropriate studies of environmental features and public attitudes are being conducted of each renewable source as part of its development programme. An application to my right hon. Friend, under the Electric Lighting Act 1909, for consent to build a new major power station (including a nuclear station) is accompanied by an environmental statement. My right hon. Friend requires the applicant to advertise any such applications so that the public has a full opportunity to express their views.