HC Deb 10 December 1990 vol 182 cc643-4
2. Mr. Knox

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

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Colin Moynihan)

Alternative sources of energy are likely to feature in future Council discussions. The next Energy Council meeting is planned for 11 March 1991.

Mr. Knox

Does my hon. Friend think that too much research into alternative forms of energy is undertaken nationally? Should not more be undertaken on a Community basis?

Mr. Moynihan

I think that the balance is about right. It is important that we stimulate the development and application of renewable sources of energy wherever they have prospects of becoming economically competitive and environmentally acceptable. The European Community has an important role in this, as do the Government. I believe that we have the balance right at present.

Mr. John Evans

Will the Minister acknowledge that one vital source of alternative energy is conservation and that the insulation of buildings plays a crucial role in that? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, because there is no credible conservation policy in his Department, Pilkington in my constituency is having to lay off substantial numbers of staff due to a lack of orders? Is not it ironic that it is laying off staff during the coldest weather that we have experienced for a long time?

Mr. Moynihan

I am unaware of the specific example to which the hon. Gentleman referred. I agree with him, however, about the importance of conservation and of energy efficiency. That is why my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory), who is new to his job of Under-Secretary of State for Energy, has launched so energetically an energy efficiency programme during his first few weeks in post.

Sir Antony Buck

Is my hon. Friend aware that my grandfather built the last operative windmill in this country? Will he say a few words about the prospects of wind power? That is perhaps not an inappropriate question for me to ask in this Chamber.

Mr. Moynihan

My hon. and learned Friend will be delighted to learn that five new projects have come forward under the first tranche of the non-fossil fuel obligation which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State some months ago.

One problem in the important work that we are putting into developing environmentally acceptable and economically competitive wind power is posed by the many environmentalists who are in favour of wind power but strongly opposed to planning applications. More work needs to be done, especially with my colleagues in the Department of the Environment, on issuing planning policy guidance notes to assist councils.