HC Deb 23 July 1984 vol 64 c705
6. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he next proposes to have discussions with the European Commission about alternative sources of energy.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I have no plans for bilateral discussions with the European Commission. A Research Council is scheduled for October.

Mr. Knox

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient research into alternative sources of energy is being undertaken by the Community? Are the Government pressing it to increase the research programme?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

If my hon. Friend looks at what has been done in the Community and at what national states have done to complement the Community programme, he will see that considerable worthwhile work is going on. I am sure he agrees that it is important that the work done by member states is co-ordinated so that the Community programme is effective.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the atmospheric pollution caused by the burning of coal should be assessed as a cost and be taken into account when we consider how to meet our future energy requirements?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

That must be taken into account, but one must remember that some alternative forms of energy also have an impact on the environment in various ways. We cannot look at one energy source in isolation.