24/1/2006

WELSH Conservative economic development spokesman Alun Cairns AM today accused Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies of "breathtaking inconsistency" over the future of nuclear power.

It follows reports that ministers are investigating the possibility of extending the life of Wales ' s only nuclear power station - Wylfa on Anglesey - beyond its 2010 commissioning date.

Alun Cairns AM: " The minister's inconsistency is breathtaking.

"On the one hand he is developing an anti-nuclear policy in Wales yet on the other he is seeking permission to extend the life of the Wylfa nuclear power station.

"Anglesey Aluminium and business in general throughout Wales need certainty of policy and certainty of supply.

"The minister's approach to the energy debate so far has been dependent on wind turbines covering the whole of the country.

"An effective minister would have taken a strategic approach to the whole debate, including the question of nuclear power, some time ago."