§ 1. Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Technology how much Great Britain is at present contributing to desalination research; what progress has been made; and when he expects commercially cheap pure water from this source.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Peter Shore)The three year programme whichs 3 the A.E.A. is carrying out in association with industry is based on a planned expenditure of £1.5 million. Useful progress is being made. The economics of desalted water varies from place to place according to local circumstances. Desalted water is already available on a commercial scale from many plants built overseas by British industry.
§ Mr. WhitakerApart from the very considerable export potential, does not the increasing shortage of water in Britain make further research urgently necessary?
§ Mr. ShoreAs my hon. Friend says, there is certainly very considerable export potential for this desalination plant, particularly in the arid lands of the Middle East and, to some extent, Latin America. For some years to come in Britain, although research is going on and will continue, we must look to ordinary conventional supplies because they are so much cheaper.
§ Sir D. RentonAs nearly all nuclear power stations are situated near the coast, would it not be possible for a pilot desalination scheme to be erected in conjunction with a nuclear power station?
§ Mr. ShoreI am sure that it is possible but the question is whether it would be economical. However, the matter has been looked at and will be kept under review.
§ Mr. David PriceWill the hon. Gentleman confirm that British firms are already major exporters to the world market of this type of plant?
§ Mr. ShoreI am very glad to be able to say that about 50 per cent. of all installed desalination plant has been exported from this country.