Electricity privatisation, Scotland: nuclear power [statement and debate]

The Minister of State at the Scottish Office told the house that the advanced gas cooled reactors in Scotland (Torness and Hunterston-B, which generate about 25% of power in Scotland) would not be privatised along with the fossil-fueled, hydroelectric and other stations but would be retained in the public sector. The nuclear assets which will be publicly owned will include the task of running the stations safely. A short debate followed the statement. It lasted about half an hour and is reported verbatim. The merits of the newly announced policy were discussed especially whether it was right to treat Scotland the same as England and Wales on this issue. The economic aspects of nuclear power were also raised. (UK)