Final plans to rescue British Energy, the troubled nuclear power generator, could be delayed because of splits in the government over the future of nuclear power according to the FT.

Energy minister Brian Wilson backs a long-term role for the industry, a view that trade secretary Patricia Hewitt is said to have some sympathy with.

But Number 10 believes that the current electricity trading arrangements benefit consumers and should not be altered to help BE.

Meanwhile, the Department for Trade and Industry has been forced to defend its emergency loan to BE after criticism from the European Commission.