§ 12. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he had with the European Commission on the subject of alternative uses of energy, such as wave power and solar energy, before announcing his recent programme in the field.
§ Mr. EadieThere is close and continuing consultation on research into the alternative sources of energy with the other member States and with the Commission.
§ Mr. DalyellWhich work can best be done on a national basis and which on a European basis?
§ Mr. EadieIn each of the areas of work, one has to consider each aspect on its merits. As my hon. Friend is aware, there are projects such as JET which are so large that they are clearly best done on an international basis. There are others where local climatic, sociological or industrial conditions make it better for them to be tackled nationally. Certainly that consideration is one of the factors that the review to be carried out by the CREST (Energy) Committee will take into account.
§ Miss FookesWhat proportion of the research and development budget is spent on nuclear power as opposed to the various alternative sources of energy?