HC Deb 13 November 1989 vol 160 cc94-5W
5. Dr. Kim Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what studies he has undertaken into the cost of decommissioning Britain's nuclear power stations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wakeham

Earlier this year my Department asked the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to review the CEGB's estimates of decommissioning costs. In drawing up its accounts for 1988–89 the Central Electricity Generating Board will take account of both this work and its own further studies.

38. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to how many nuclear power stations have been(a) ordered, and (b) completed within Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries within the last five years.

Mr. Michael Spicer

In OECD countries during 1984–88, work was started on 19 new nuclear power reactors, and 92 reactors were connected to the grid.

45. Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the amount of greenhouse gases that would be produced if all the United Kingdom's nuclear reactors were decommissioned and the replacement demand met entirely by the burning of fossil fuels.

70. Mr. Hayes

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the amount of greenhouse gases that would be produced if all the United Kingdom's nuclear reactors were decommissioned and demand met entirely by the burning of fossil fuels.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Replacing nuclear power by electricity produced from fossil fuels would increase the output of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas produced by the electricity sector, by about 53 million tonnes per annum or 25 per cent. over current levels.

Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the population and how many in actual numbers, live within 15 miles of a nuclear power station in(a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales.

Mr. Michael Spicer

[holding answer 6 November 1989]: The percentage and number of the population who live within 25 km (approximately 15.5 miles) of a nuclear power station, based on the 1981 census of population figures, are as follows:

Per cent. Number
England 7 3,292,000
Scotland 7 356,000
Wales 3 85,000