§ Mr. HayesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about his plans for the future of the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ Mr. EggarIn its report on the Atomic Energy Authority published last May, Cm 1947, the Monopolies and Mergers Commission recommended a further review of strategic options for the Atomic Energy Authority, including that of removing the Atomic Energy Authority's business activities from the public sector where practicable. As a first step, I am commissioning independent consultants to consider the practicability of privatisation and to advise on the main options. shall decide how best to proceed in the light of the report and the Atomic Energy Authority's own views.