PEOPLE in the North-East are divided over the issue of using nuclear power to solve the energy crisis.

A massive Government consultation exercise was carried out over the weekend in which people asked for their views.

Part of it was held in Newcastle and those how took part were asked whether it was in the public interest for energy companies to about to invest in nuclear power stations.

It emerged that 43 per cent of people in the region agree and 41 per cent disagree.

The remainder have no opinion or did not know.

Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise, John Hutton, said: "It has been a tremendous success.

"Around 1,000 people have shared their views on how we can secure our energy supplies for the future.

"We have a preliminary view; that nuclear should be able to play a part in providing the energy that we need to keep the lights on and help cut carbon emissions.

"But it is important that we know what the public thinks.

"It is absolutely in the national interest that we make a decision and urgently."

The views expressed from the nine events in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Norwich will help inform the decision to be made later this year.

The results of the questions put to the participants throughout the day will now be statistically weighted to be representative of the UK population.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said: "Climate change and energy security are critical issues facing the UK.

"The success of today's event shows how eager people are to participate in this important debate.

"We still have a month left of the consultation and I urge anyone who wants take part and let us know their views to log on to the website."

The internet address is: www.direct.gov.uk/nuclearpower2007