Environment: Nuclear Power Stations

My honourable friend the Minister of State for Energy (Malcolm Wicks) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. It was announced in the nuclear White Paper 2008 that, in parallel with the Energy Bill, the Government will publish for public consultation two sets of draft guidance on what an approvable funded decommissioning programme should contain. I have today issued a consultation document which contains both sets of draft guidance. We want to hear from members of the public, industry, financial and other institutions that may be involved in the financing of new nuclear power stations, non-governmental organisations and any other organisation or body with an interest. The consultation will close on Friday 16 May 2008. Copies of the draft guidance will be placed in both Houses.