§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the priorities of his Department in relation to energy policy for the remainder of 1993.
§ Mr. EggarCurrently, the priorities for my Department in support of the Government's energy policy are to: decide on the structure and licensing arrangements appropriate to a privatised coal industry with a view to legislation being brought forward as soon as possible; complete the review of our renewable energy strategy; begin work on the Government's review of the future prospects for nuclear power; make awards following the 14th round of offshore licensing; appoint the energy advisory panel in preparation for the first annual energy report to be published next year; achieve agreement on a substantial energy charter treaty among all countries of the OECD, of eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and make further progress towards a single energy market in the Community.
Other priorities will no doubt arise as the year progresses.
343W