§ Sir G. Howeasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his best estimate of the amount of money being spent within the United Kingdom, respectively, from public and private funds, on research into the development of alternatives to nuclear and fossil fuels, with particular reference to the development of energy from tidal, solar, geothermal and wind resources.
§ Mr. StrangMy Department's best estimate is that £400,000 per annum is being spent currently from public funds. 125W Of this total, research associated with releasing energy from tidal, solar, geothermal and wind resources is costing approximately £350,000. We are not able to estimate the level of expenditure in the private sector.