Mr Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Economic Affairs; Tewkesbury, Conservative)

The amendments that we have tabled come from the opposite point of view to that expressed by the hon. Member for Lewes. I propose that, before the chairman, non-executive directors and chief executive are appointed, there should be discussions with the industry, and I have specified BNFL, British Energy, Nirex and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. The NDA will deal with work of the highest importance. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine anything more important in terms of the environment and public safety. The work will be extremely complicated as well as important. In fact, not much is more complicated than the nuclear industry. I am not talking about seeking the industry's permission before making the appointments—that would be wrong—but it would be sensible to seek the advice and opinions of people in the industry beforehand.

We are involved in setting up yet another body. I do not know whether it officially qualifies as a quango, but we have thousands of quangos. Some are useful and some are not, but it is very important that this body be useful and effective. It would therefore be rather foolish to disregard or reject the advice that may be given by the UKAEA, which has been operating since 1954, and by BNFL, which I understand has been operating for 30 years, if not more. That is the basis of the amendments. They do not suggest that those bodies should have to grant permission, but merely that their opinions should be sought. Given the importance of the work that will be carried out, that is the least that we should expect.

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