HC Deb 17 January 1972 vol 829 cc22-3
30. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future prospects of the nuclear power industry.

Mr. Ridley

No, Sir. Any such statement must await completion and consideration of the current review of reactor development.

Mr. Eadie

As there has been a substantial escalation in the cost of nuclear power stations, coupled with technical difficulties, is it not appropriate that the Government should take out an insurance policy for the nation by intervening now to settle the miners' strike and by agreeing to have a target for increased production of coal?

Mr. Ridley

The second point does not arise on this Question. I think it wiser to await completion of the review before making decisions about the future of nuclear power.

Mr. Palmer

But does not the Minister agree that these matters strengthen the case for a White Paper on fuel policy generally, and is it not a great pity that Mr. Chapman Pincher should, apparently, know more about these things than does the House of Commons?

Mr. Ridley

On the latter point, I must add that Mr. Chapman Pincher knows more about them than I do, too. [HON. MEMBERS: "Resign."] On the first point, I assure the hon. Gentleman that fuel policy is a subject under constant review and that if the Government were to change their mind about any aspects of fuel policy they would, of course, report back to the House.