THE chairman of Scottish Nuclear, Mr James Hann, yesterday accused the

Government of ''short-termism'' in its energy policy for the UK.

Speaking at the World Electricity Conference in London, Mr Hann said:

''There is a real need for a longer-term and more co-ordinated approach

to energy production and consumption using the disciplines of the market

but preventing, where possible, the kind of short-term distortions which

put at risk the benefits which a sensible long term policy would

bring.''

He suggested that the ''dash for gas'' might not have taken place to

the degreethat it had in a truly competitive environment rather than one

subject to significant regulatory control over prices and market share.

Mr Hann added that while he recognised that market forces were

necessary, alone they might not be sufficient to guarantee secure supply

at competitive prices and without damaging the environment.