Solar Power

HC Deb 18 March 1969 vol 780 cc185-6

17. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Power what research he is supporting into the utilisation of solar power for industry.

Mr. Freeson

None, Sir. Some research in this field is being supported by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.

Mr. Brooks

Is my hon. Friend aware that some interesting results have been obtained at Wallasey and in the Pyrenees in space-heating and specialised smelting? In view of the rapid technological developments coming from the space programme in energy conversion devices, is not this a field in which we could at least play a larger part than at present?

Mr. Freeson

I shall call the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology to the matter. I am aware of the school in Wallasey which has been using solar heat, for 16 or 16 years now, I believe, and I understand that it has done so effectively. However, I am not so cer- tain that the economics of such developments would be sound in this climate.