To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the effect of enhanced UK domestic nuclear generating capacity on UK dependence on imported gas; and if he will make a statement. (222438)

I have been asked to reply.

We believe that nuclear power should be part of a future low-carbon electricity-generating mix so that we can reduce our carbon emissions and secure our energy supplies as the UK becomes a net importer of energy. Our thinking is set out in our Nuclear White Paper, in particular paragraphs 2.26-2.42 and Annex A, which is available on our website at

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/energy/sources/nuclear/whitepaper/page42765.html.