Fears over nuclear 'dithering'

THE Government is in the firing line for failing to decide whether or not to build a new generation of nuclear power plants. Critics say its dithering makes Britain's power supply increasingly vulnerable in the event of war because of our reliance on imported fuels.

The Government's energy bill, due for publication today, will warn that Britain will be a net importer of gas within three years and of oil by 2010.

Nuclear power is seen as being essential to ensure a continuous and affordable supply of electricity. But Labour Party opposition combined with the collapse of the biggest nuclear generator, British Energy, has made the construction of new stations politically unpalatable.

The bill will not rule out new plants, instead it will duck the issue by insisting that any proposals are subject to a full public consultation. The draft energy bill - once trumpeted as a 50-year blueprint for the nation's energy needs - is more of a damp squib. It will reiterate the Government's commitment for getting 10% of electricity from renewable sources, but says the target is 'very challenging'.

Some estimate that the high cost of renewable energy could result in a 15% rise in household electricity bills by 2020. The City prefers gas-fired plants because they are cheap to run and not subject to onerous planning laws. So without a clear Government policy, the City's preference will increase the UK's reliance on imports.