HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 cc14-5
16. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he proposes to have discussions within the European Economic Community Council of Ministers about alternative sources of energy.

Mr. Mellor

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Knox

Does my hon. Friend agree that this sphere of research should be undertaken on a Community basis rather than on the basis of the present mixture of national and Community research?

Mr. Mellor

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend. The interests of Community members in relation to renewables are different. When one looks in detail at the matters that are subject to Community programmes one realises that some renewables—geothermals for example—are of greater importance to Britain and are not as fully covered by the Community as Britain's interests demand.