20.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of the construction of the Hunterston nuclear power station.
Work is in progress on the first reactor which is expected to be in commission by the middle of 1964. It is hoped to be able to commission the second reactor by the end of that year.
Since the contractors were allowed an extension of time because of labour difficulties, will the hon. Gentleman make it clear that the delays are not wholly the result of labour troubles? As the Board will be involved in high interest rates for the period because of this extra time, why should it be penalised in the fashion referred to earlier?
Not only labour difficulties but other considerations led to delays in construction. The hon. Member will have noted the comments made about this in the last day or two by the Chairman of the Board.