§ Lord Jenkin of Bodingasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to ensure that there is a continuing supply of nuclear scientists and engineers necessary both to maintain the skills base of the nuclear industry and of its regulator, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, and to underpin the credibility of the nuclear option. [HL3403]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleFollowing the publication in December 2002 of the report of the "Nuclear Skills Group", activity has focused on the development of proposals for a new sector skills council—COGENT—covering the nuclear industry, oil and gas, petroleum and polymers. My officials have also been in discussion with a number of universities about the provision of relevant courses to ensure that skills relevant to the nuclear industry, including its regulators, are available for the future. These discussions are continuing.