Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alun Cairns Excerpts
Wednesday 13th February 2013

(11 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
The Secretary of State was asked—
Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con)
- Hansard - -

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)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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
- Hansard - -

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
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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.