§ 5. Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to increase support for wind power development in Wales.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy Department is discussing future plans for wind energy research and development with major wind turbine manufacturers and the generating boards.
§ Mr. HowellsI have received many complaints from those in favour of wind power that the Government are not willing to support them, financially or otherwise. If this is true, why?
§ Mr. SpicerIt is not true, so I should not have to answer the second part of the question. However, I can say that the current rate of expenditure on wind power development is £4 million. I hope to make an announcement about our plans for wind farms within the next month or so.
§ Mr. John MarshallDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is significant that the energy suggestion of the Liberal party is wind power? Does he agree that such stations would have great difficulty if the wind blew in opposite directions, as it would do under any alliance?
§ Mr. SpicerMy hon. Friend makes his own point. It is interesting that the Liberal party does not appear to take into account the fact that there are great environmental costs as well as benefits from wind power.