§ 3. Mr. Knoxasked 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?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Mellor)The Council is already discussing what further Community support might be offered for demonstration projects in new sources of energy. I hope that agreement will shortly be achieved.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend feel that enough research into alternative sources of energy is being carried 722 out on a Community basis? Is this not a sphere in which it would far better to concentrate research entirely on a Community basis than to have the present mixture of national and Community efforts?
§ Mr. MellorA considerable sum—almost £120 million—it being invested in the present programme of research and development and demonstration project schemes within the Community. We believe that there is a considerable role to be played by domestic programmes, as the interests of member States with regard to alternative energy sources are not all the same.
§ Mr. HooleyWill the Minister have serious discussions with the CEGB to discover why it is buying American-designed wind generators for electricity generation instead of using the well-advanced technology designed and produced in the United Kingdom? Is this to be a habit of the CEGB in relation to alternative sources?
§ Mr. MellorProcurement policy is, of course, a matter for the CEGB, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Department is playing a very active part in developing British aero-generator capability, and we are sure that that is right.