HC Deb 22 July 1996 vol 282 c33W
Mrs. Beckett

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when the Government were notified that Hinckley Point B and Hunterston B were to be shut down on 10 July; [37833]

(2) what discussion (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants had with British Energy prior to the announcement of the shutdowns of Hinckley Point B and Hunterston B regarding (i) the timing of the closure and (ii) of the announcement; [37832]

(3) when the problems at Hinckley Point B and Hunterston B leading to the shutdown on 10 July first came to the attention of (a) British Energy and (b) his Department; what assessment was made of the impact of these problems on the flotation of British Energy; and if he will make a statement. [37834]

Mr. Lang

I have nothing to add to the statement that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy made to the House on 16 July,Official Report, columns 1013–22.