FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER

Early day motion 365, tabled 6 November 2001 by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 61 members.

That this House notes with concern recent reports that the Government plans to build 15 new nuclear reactors throughout the United Kingdom as part of their energy review and that the issue of the safe treatment and disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved; understands that companies involved in any extension of the nuclear industry would be likely to seek substantial Government subsidies, owing to the immense cost of building new reactors; and believes that no further nuclear power stations should be built until the issue of waste treatment and safety have been properly addressed, that existing nuclear power stations should be withdrawn from use when they reach the end of their operating lives and that BNFL should accept full liability for all decommissioning costs, currently estimated at ú34 billion.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 29, Labour 27, Labour/Co-operative 2, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.