§ 2.40 p.m.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to reach a decision on the future of the nuclear power industry and, in particular, whether there should be one or two boiler companies in this country.]
318§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, discussions on the future of the nuclear power industry are well advanced, and my right honourable friend the Minister of Technology hopes to make a Statement on the Government's decisions before the Recess.
THE EARL OF BESSBOROUGHMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that very short Answer, which he provided at very short notice and for which I am most grateful, may I ask whether he does not agree that there is some urgency in this matter, in view of the fact that it is two months since our debate on this subject on the Motion of the noble Lord, Lord Sherfield, when it was generally agreed that this was a matter of urgency?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, it is being treated as such, and a Statement will be made soon.