Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alun Cairns Excerpts
Wednesday 13th February 2013

(11 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Secretary of State was asked—
Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con)
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1. What recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the nuclear power industry to the Scottish economy.

Michael Moore Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore)
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There is currently just over 2 GW of installed and operational nuclear capacity in Scotland, split between Torness and Hunterston B. In 2011, 33% of electricity generated in Scotland came from these two nuclear power stations.

Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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Is the Secretary of State aware that Wylfa and Anglesey are about to benefit from a massive investment in a new nuclear power station? Does he share my disappointment in the attitude shown by the Scottish Government, who reject any new nuclear investment?

Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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Clearly, there is a significant contribution to our current energy mix from nuclear. My hon. Friend will be aware that planning on these matters is devolved to Scotland. It is a matter, rightly, for the Scottish Parliament to determine. For my part, I am delighted that we are seeing an increase in the proportion of renewables in our energy mix as part of a sustainable, affordable energy supply in the UK.