§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has received from British Energy relating to plans to construct new nuclear plants in(a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales after 2006. [8673]
§ Mr. PageNone. Any applications that come forward for new stations over 50 MW would require consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and, as with other forms of generation, the applications for consent would be considered on their individual merits.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what his policy towards the future of the nuclear industry and the construction of new nuclear power stations in(a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales.[8462]
§ Mr. Page[holding answer 11 December 1996]: Nuclear power has to compete with other forms of generation in the electricity market to meet the needs of its customers at commercial prices. Any proposals by British 390W Energy for new nuclear power stations will therefore be a matter for the company and its shareholders. Such proposals, if over 50 MW in capacity, will also require consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act and, as with other forms of generation, the applications for consent will be considered on their individual merits. Applications in Scotland would be considered by the Secretary of State for Scotland.