Energy White Papers (Hansard, 7 March 2003)

§ Llew Smith
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which press and broadcasting outlets were briefed on the Energy White Paper prior to its publication; and if she will set out the reasons she gave interviews to the media on the contents of the White Paper prior to her statement to Parliament. [100078]

§ Ms Hewitt
The Energy White Paper was laid before the House at loam on Monday 24 February. Only after its publication did my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and I jointly hold a press conference at the Department of Trade and Industry.
As I reported to the House on 24 February, Official Report, column 27W drafts of the Energy White Paper were leaked to the press ahead of the publication. Such action is a discourtesy to the House and I deplore it wholeheartedly.
1278W
Prior to publication on the day of the White Paper I gave a limited number of broadcast interviews in which I discussed the Government's more general objectives in formulating a long-term policy for energy.

§ Llew Smith
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to paragraph 4.3 of the Energy White Paper, Cm 5761, what resources she plans to commit to keep open the nuclear option. [100080]

§ Mr. Wilson
The Energy White Paper does not rule out the possibility that at some stage in the future new nuclear build might be necessary, but does not include new measures or resources targeted at nuclear new build.
In December 2002 we published the results of a nuclear and radiological skills study. In response, a task group is being formed across the sector to develop and implement a workforce development strategy. This industry-led initiative will be important regardless of whether new build is pursued in future.
In addition, measures outlined in the White Paper to streamline the public inquiry process for major energy projects and to introduce the European emissions trading scheme could benefit the option of nuclear energy, were a decision taken in future to proceed with new nuclear power stations.