A CABINET member backed plans to extended nuclear generation on Anglesey.
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan spoke about the future of nuclear power on the Island during a visit to North Wales yesterday.
“I’ve always been a supporter of continued nuclear generation at Wylfa.” she said. “We need to maintain the skills that are on the island.”
The Nuclear Installations Inspectorate is expected to decide in October whether Wylfa can extend generation until 2013.
Horizon Nuclear Group are expected to make a planning application for a Wylfa B station in 2012.
Mrs Gillan praised the use of Anglesey Aluminium jetty at Holyhead harbour to attract cruise ships to the Island.
Mrs Gillan visited Wylfa, the National Slate Museum in Llanberis and the set of S4C show Rownd a Rownd in Llangefni.
The visit came after Welsh independent television producers wrote a letter to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt which expressed concerns over a reported 25% cut to S4C’s budget over four years.
“I wish that they would write to Gordon Brown to complain about the debt that the current government has to face,” she said.
Mrs Gillan said that S4C was an important part of the broadcasting mix in Wales and added that shows such as Rownd a Rownd helped develop young talent in the area.
She added that savings would have to be made after the government’s comprehensive spending review in October.
“I have said that S4C is going through difficult times, but I have always expressed my support for S4C and it will have a future.”
S4C John Walter said that 25% of the channel’s budget was spent in North West Wales and that shows such as Rownd a Rownd boosted the region’s economy.
He added: “Producing an ambitious, successful soap is very important to S4C. There are 55 people in the cast – more than 20 of them under 18.
“They are being given a golden opportunity to develop skills and talents which will be of great benefit to them at an important time in their lives.”