HC Deb 01 November 1995 vol 265 cc348-9W
25. Mr. Simpson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to privatise the nuclear industry. [38675]

Mr. Eggar

Preparations are in hand to transfer the United Kingdom's advanced gas-cooled reactor and pressurised water reactor nuclear power stations, together with their liabilities, to the private sector. It is our intention that this sale should take place in the summer of 1996.

This sale will bring many benefits. In private ownership, the holding company will be free to compete, both domestically and overseas. Privatisation will provide powerful incentives for the two subsidiary companies to benefit their customers by raising efficiency and reducing costs. Our proposals will make for a more competitive nuclear generation sector operating to continuing, rigorous safety standards and will strengthen the ability of British companies to market nuclear services abroad. At the same time, the changes in the fossil fuel levy and the equivalent step in Scotland will bring significant benefits to consumers.

27. Mr. Corbett

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to privatise the nuclear industry. [38677]

Mr. Eggar

Preparations are in hand to transfer the United Kingdom's AGR and PWR nuclear power stations, together with their liabilities, to the private sector. It is our intention that this sale should take place in the summer of 1996.

This sale will bring many benefits. In private ownership, the holding company will be free to compete, both domestically and overseas. Privatisation will provide powerful incentives for the two subsidiary companies to benefit their customers by raising efficiency and reducing costs. Our proposals will make for a more competitive nuclear generation sector operating to continuing, rigorous safety standards and will strengthen the ability of British companies to market nuclear services abroad. At the same time, the changes in the fossil fuel levy and the equivalent step in Scotland will bring significant benefits to consumers.

32. Mr. Turner

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what additional measures he is taking to ensure that safety standards are maintained in the period prior to privatisation of the nuclear industry. [38685]

Mr. Eggar

The independent Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate continues to monitor closely the safe operation of all the United Kingdom's nuclear installations. The Government will not permit any weakening of the existing regulatory regime or of the current safety standards in force.