HC Deb 13 February 1978 vol 944 cc23-4
42. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of State for Overseas Development what commitments have been entered into with Third world countries for the development of wind power by her Department.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. John Tomlinson)

We have so far supported through the aid programme a limited amount of research in the United Kingdom and developing countries in wind power, and hope to encourage more. I will, with permission, circulate details of my Department's current and proposed projects in the Official Report.

Mr. Hooley

Does my hon. Friend agree that the development of wind power is particularly suitable in the context of rural development?

Mr. Tomlinson

Clearly it can be, and it is one of the matters we are examining in many of the development projects that we support.

Following is the information:

MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT CURRENT AND PROPOSED RESEARCH PROJECTS IN THE FIELD OF WIND POWER:

Current Projects Preparation and publication of a catalogue of small-scale power sources and equipment, including solar-powered devices: Intermediate Technology Development Group Limited. Investigation into the possibility of using certain prototype and commercially available wind turbines in developing country agriculture: Cranfield Institute of Technology. Projects Under Consideration Study of the feasibility of wind-power electricity generation in island developing countries leading to prototype development, testing in the United Kingdom, and installation overseas. Development of new design of small aerogenerator.