§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for Energy what financial or other support his Department is giving to the development of solar energy.
§ Mr. John SmithMy Department has commissioned a study at the Energy Technology Support Unit, at Harwell, to assess the prospects for using solar energy in the United Kingdom and identify those areas where further research may be necessary. This study, which is not yet complete, is expected to cost about £30,000. Officials from my Department have also been assisting with the study being undertaken by the United Kingdom section of the International Solar Energy Society.