HC Deb 14 June 1976 vol 913 cc2-3
2. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the Government's plans for more research into renewable forms of energy, such as solar and wind power.

Mr. Eadie

We have recently announced a £1 million programme on wave energy. The other renewable forms are being assessed and, where appropriate, research and development programmes are being drawn up.

In 1975–76 my Department spent about £½ million on research into these sources. The estimated spend on non-nuclear non-marine research and development is about £4 million in 1976–77 rising to some £7 million in 1979–80. Most of this money is expected to be spent on the renewable forms of energy.

Mr. Lane

I am grateful for that answer. Bearing in mind the pioneer work that has been done in my constituency on both solar and wind power, can the Minister assure us that the possible scope for all renewable forms of energy will be discussed fully at the one-day conference next week?

Mr. Eadie

I can give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. There are papers out which embrace a discussion of that subject at the conference.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Is it not a fact that by the year 2000, despite North Sea oil, we shall not be self-sufficient in energy? Is it not therefore necessary to have long-term projects and studies not only of the sources of energy mentioned but of tidal power, particularly in terms of the Severn barrage scheme, which was first considered in 1921?

Mr. Eadie

My hon. Friend is correct. Various projections have been made about the energy resources that we shall have in the year 2000. I assure my hon. Friend that, in addition to the plan that he mentioned, all kinds of geothermal and solar energy are being duly considered.

Mr. Rost

As the Department regards wave energy as potentially the most interesting renewable source, why is it allocating only £1 million over the next two years, which most authorities involved in the research regard as inadequate?

Mr. Eadie

I am sure that the House would agree with the hon. Gentleman if we could spend more on these resources. However, I think he knows that the studies that are taking place on this matter are "at large" studies. Once the results are clear, without our embarking on gigantic, colossal sums of capital expenditure, it will be for the Government and this House to agree on the kind of expenditure that the hon. Gentleman visualises.