PROCESS OF CONSENT FOR NEW NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS IN SCOTLAND

Early day motion 966, tabled 7 March 2002 by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). Signed by 8 members.

That this House notes that planning consents for nuclear and other power stations over 50Mw require consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, and that in Scotland section 36 powers are the responsibility of Scottish Ministers accountable to the Scottish Parliament; further notes the total failure of the honourable Member for Airdrie and Shotts and the honourable Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley to state clearly on eight occasions in the Commons debate on 5th March that Scottish Ministers would have the final say over approving or rejecting nuclear power stations in Scotland, suggesting that the power will lie with Westminster; and calls on the Government to clarify the confusion created by the Scotland Office by confirming that this key planning power and the final say over planning consent for nuclear power stations will remain with Scottish Ministers accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 5, Liberal Democrat 2, Plaid Cymru 1.