§ 6. Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last had discussions with other European Community Energy Ministers on the greenhouse effect.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Peter Morrison)Although not specifically discussed by Community Energy Ministers, the greenhouse effect is borne in mind in the Council's consideration of energy issues.
§ Mr. FavellIn view of the threat to the earth's atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, are not those Greens who advocate the abandonment of the nuclear option foolish in the extreme? Is that generally recognised throughout Europe?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is generally recognised throughout Europe, and the environmental Council of Ministers made precisely that point in a recent resolution. It is sad that the Greens are pursuing a route which presumably will achieve the opposite to what they desire.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursFor each therm of energy output, which fuel cycle has the least impact on the greenhouse effect—coal, oil or nuclear?
§ Mr. MorrisonNuclear.
§ Mr. John MarshallDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it is high time that the Labour party learned from President Mitterrand that nuclear power is the friend of the environment?
§ Mr. MorrisonMy hon. Friend is entirely correct. I notice from the Labour party's latest policy review that the ultimate conclusion of its policy will be to phase out all nuclear power stations. That will have a very harmful impact on the greenhouse effect.