§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to maintain the nuclear skills base. [152042]
§ Ms HewittThe Government have been assisting in the establishment of a Sector Skills Council to represent the needs of the nuclear industry. Cogent Sector Skills Council is expected to be licensed shortly and will take a strategic view of the nuclear sector to ensure that the education and training base can meet nuclear employer's current and future needs.
§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will conduct a public consultation on nuclear power. [152043]
§ Ms HewittNo. The Government consulted fully on energy policy, including nuclear, for the Energy White Paper published in February 2003. The White Paper clearly states that before any decision to proceed with the building of new nuclear power stations, there would need to be the fullest public consultation and the publication of a white paper setting out the Government's proposals.