§ Q3. Mr. BeithTo ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 December.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave some moments ago.
§ Mr. BeithWill the Prime Minister find time today to explain her reasons for believing that, under electricity privatisation, the free market should not be allowed to decide whether a new generation of nuclear power stations would be a viable proposition?
§ The Prime MinisterI believe that that point has already been dealt with in extenso by the Sizewell inquiry. As well as being a viable proposition, other matters are also involved. Obviously one wants electricity power stations generated on different bases, some from coal, some from gas, some from oil and some from nuclear power. That is much the wisest course of action.
§ Mr. John GreenwayDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that, today, she takes with her to Copenhagen the good wishes of everyone on the Conservative Benches? It is crucial for the interests of farming communities as well as taxpayers and consumers that some sense is brought to the European Community budget.
§ The Prime MinisterI am grateful to my hon. Friend. We shall be going to Copenhagen for what will undoubtedly be a very difficult meeting, but it is vital that we address, and attempt to solve, with determination, the question of surplus agricultural products, the question of sound financial discipline and, of course, that we maintain our Fontainebleau abatement, which has served this country very well.