§ 36. Mr. Hooleyasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the current expenditure on overseas aid in the field of the use of biomass for energy purposes; and how many projects are being currently financed.
§ Mr. Neil MartenDuring the present financial year we expect to spend about £580,000 in financing 12 projects.
§ Mr. HooleyThat is a modest effort, but it is welcome. Does the Minister agree that the trememdous rate of growth of natural materials in a tropical climate is such that this offers an area in which we should be exploring much more vigorously the possibility of fuel sources front plants?
§ Mr. MartenI agree with the hon. Gentleman. We do explore these matters, but this is very much a question of the developing countries requesting our aid along these lines.