Clause 2 - Annual reports under section 1 of the Sustainable Energy Act 2003
Energy Bill [Lords]
9:15 am
Mr Stephen Timms (Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness), Department of Trade and Industry; East Ham, Labour)
I am not rubbishing it, but I caution the hon. Gentleman and others against believing that nuclear power is a quick fix. We need to focus our attention on making headway in the development of renewable energy. We made it clear in the White Paper that we might need to consider the prospect of new nuclear power, but at present the economics are very unattractive. There are some big questions about nuclear waste still to be answered, but this is not the time to discuss them. We shall look at the matter again when we debate the next section of the Bill.
On the basis of what I have said to the Committee, which reflects hon. Members' concerns, and given my point about meeting the industry and providing further information, I hope that the Committee will accept the proposal.