Funding

Abstract

John Howell, counsel for the FoE was essentially speaking for all objectors, and, probably, for many fair-minded people in the Board and in the nuclear industry generally. He was aware of the views of Mr John Moore, at the time Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy:

Overall, the Inquiry will be a very elaborate exercise absorbing a great deal of time. Nevertheless, it will be time well spent. It will ensure that we get the eventual decision right and that we are seen to have got it right. (emphasis in original, 2, 65C)

Both speakers were reflecting on the Inquiry’s public image. Mr Howell was particularly concerned about the Inquiry’s fairness as applied to the rights of objecting parties. Mr Moore seemed content so long as the Inquiry was seen to be fair to the arguments, not necessarily to all the participants.

Sir, funding the objectors is the only way in which the public will be reassured that PWR technology is acceptable. … It is in the national interest, and, indeed in the Board’s interest that this Inquiry should be seen to be fair, full and thorough. Unless funding is made available it will not be seen to be so. [Funding might also ensure] in the battle with the Goliath of the Electricity Board, that at least David in this case has a sling. (Preliminary Meeting, 2 June 1982, 27D, 24F (emphasis added))