Hinkley Point C

George Kerevan Excerpts
Thursday 15th September 2016

(7 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I will indeed. In the past 24 hours, EDF has made a commitment to me that 64% by value of the content will be spent with UK companies. That shows the tangible benefits to the whole economy of this programme.

George Kerevan Portrait George Kerevan (East Lothian) (SNP)
- Hansard - -

The Minister has said that the Hinkley decision will not burden the national balance sheet. Can he clarify the status of the offer made by the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer to give EDF a Treasury guarantee of £2 billion to supplement the company’s liquidity? The National Audit Office has said that that offer puts the taxpayer at risk.

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I am delighted to answer that question. In fact, EDF has confirmed to me that it will not be taking up that £2 billion guarantee, so the taxpayer is fully insulated from the costs of construction.