§ 3.15 p.m.
§ Lord Nelson of Stafford rose to move, That this House takes note of the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology on R&D in nuclear power (2nd Report, 1988–89, HL Paper 14).
§ The noble Lord said: My Lords, I should like to add my thanks to those who have participated in the debate. What has been said has been an encouragement to those of us who worked on the committee. Indeed, much that has been said has endorsed the recommendations which the committee made. I shall not comment in any detail on those submissions.
§ However, I should like to make but one comment on the reference which the noble Lord, Lord Williams of Elvel, made to the situation in the United States. It is often quoted that the effect of Three Mile Island has dried up all orders for the past 10 years. In fact, the position in the United States is as follows. The lack of orders in the latter 10 years arises largely from the over-ordering which was carried out in the previous 10 years. It does not arise from the effect of Three Mile Island. I think that people should understand that fact.
§ I thank my noble friend Lady Hooper for her full reply to the debate. I am sure that we shall return to one or two of the points which have been raised, especially where the Government have also been asked to look at them again. I am sure that we shall come back to the question of where the responsibility for security supply really lies and who will take the responsibility for long-term R&D.
§ I think it only remains for me now to beg to move the Motion standing in my name.
§ Moved, That this House takes note of the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology on R&D in nuclear power (2nd Report, 1988–89, HL Paper 14)—(Lord Nelson of Stafford.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House adjourned at eighteen minutes past three o'clock.