HC Deb 24 October 2002 vol 391 cc423-4W
Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings she has held with British Energy since September. [76132]

Ms Hewitt

My Department holds regular meetings with British Energy.

Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decisions have been taken regarding future financial support for British Energy and other energy companies; and what return taxpayers will receive on moneys given to British Energy. [75023]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 15 October, Official Report, column 666W on the recent support for British Energy. No decisions have been taken and no commitments given on British Energy's long term future at this time.

The circumstances in relation to other energy companies do not raise the same issues. The Government's overriding priority for nuclear safety in relation to BE does not apply.

The Government has taken security over British Energy's assets for the credit facility agreement in the interests of the taxepayer. Full details of the agreement are commercially confidential unless and until it is made public by British Energy.