§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he will publish the Government's response to the report of the Select Committee on Energy on nuclear power.
§ Mr. David HowellI have today placed copies of the Government's reponse in the Libraries of both Houses.
In it the Government reaffirm their commitment to the developing role of nuclear power in providing a secure and economic energy supply for the United Kingdom; and its view that there is a need for a long-term framework within which nuclear orders can be planned along the lines set out in my statement of 18 December 1979.
The Government also welcome the Select Committee's recognition of the need for continuing orders for nuclear power stations, and of the important contribution nuclear power can make to meeting our long-term energy needs. We will use our best endeavours to secure an early opportunity for Parliament to debate the Committee's report and this White Paper.