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reference. A useful point to make was that the planned PWRS would be largely replaced by generation from gas, also an environmentally attractive fuel.
C. Imports of nuclear-based electricity from France and Scotland were a source of diversity, although there were objections to becoming unduly dependent on French imports. The case for strengthening the interconnector with Scotland to the maximum extent was however very strong and this should be reflected in what was said to Parliament.
a.
The Government had invested considerable political capital in supporting the development of nuclear power. Moreover during the next decade the position on fossil fuels dould become less favourable as oil prices rose and the gas industry became more dependent on supplies from Norwegian sour
Once the country withdrew from nuclear development it could not get back in without great cost and difficulty. On the other hand, the proposal by the Secretary of State for Energy did not rule out more nuclear capacity as a long-term option. The statement had to take account also of the overriding need to achieve electricity privatisation during this Parliament, and the reference to a review of nuclear power in 1994 was designed to strike a balance between these requirements. Nevertheless, while the constraints were recognised, it would be desirable for the statement to include a rather more positive reference to the advantages of nuclear power.
e.
Considerable effort had been put into encouraging local support for nuclear power her new PWRS had been planned at Sizewell and Hinkley Point here was a risk that local opinion would be disappointed when it became clear that these planned stations would not go ahead, Arrangements should be made to ensure that the decision were explained to people living locally as soon as they werenounced, and that reassurance was given as far as pos
THE PRIME MINISTER summing up the discuss said the Cabinet agreed the recommendations by the Secretary of State for Energy and the Secretary of State for Scotland. They should, as proposed, make statements accordingly to Parliament that afternoon. The statements should take account of the points made in discussion and, in particular, should not nuclear power as a long-term option.
e out
The Cabinet
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Took note, with approval, of the Prime Minister's suming up of their discussion and invited the Secretaries of Sta Energy and Scotland to proceed accordingly.
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