§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has had any recent discussions with the chairman of Nuclear Electric concerning(a) construction delays in the schedule drawn up for Sizewell B, (b) the failure of the computer programme design consultants to meet their target in completing the main safety computer programme and (c) the revised costings produced by Nuclear Electric and its consultants for the decommissioning and waste management programme for the Sizewell B plant.
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§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe construction of Sizewell B is a matter for Nuclear Electric plc. I understand from the company that the project is eight months ahead of programme. It remains Nuclear Electric's intention that the software for the integrated systems for control and operation of the station should be available to enable commissioning of the station in accordance with the project programme. The latest costs available for decommissioning of Sizewell B or its waste management programme are those presented to the Hinkley Point C public inquiry.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the final capital cost of the Sizewell B nuclear plant on commissioning expressed in(a) March 1987 prices and (b) present-day prices; what was the estimate 15 months ago; and if he will indicate the reasons for the differences.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryIn his letter of 26 June 1990 to the Chairman of the Energy Select Committee, the Secretary of State gave the revised estimated cost to completion of Sizewell B as £2,030 million, April 1987 prices, together with a full explanation of the reasons for the revision of the estimate. This remains the latest estimated cost to completion for the project. Over the period from April 1987, the inflation in power station construction costs has been slightly less than in retail prices.