§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Energy, in view of the saving of energy by the use of water-wheel power, what steps his Department will 410W take to encourage this form of power and seek to safeguard its use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieMy Department is ready to encourage the use of any renewable source of energy which can be shown to be economically sound. Water wheel power is, however an established technology and I would not expect any special encouragement to be needed. I am of course aware of the memorandum submitted by the National Association of Water Power Users on the question of water abstraction charges, and in this connection I Would refer the hon. Member to the reply he received from my hon. Friend the Minister of state at the Department of the Environment on 26th April. I understand that my hon. Friend is considering the National Water Council's reply
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish an analysis of the figures for estimated research and development by the Electricity Council and Electricity Boards for the year 1975–76 totalling £35.9 million.
§ Mr. BennWhilst the general programme of research into matters affecting the supply of electricity is settled in consultation with me, the detailed allocation of resources is a matter for the Electricity Council and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how the £8.3 million spent on research and development by the coal industry in 1975 was allocated, showing the funds spent on leading projects and estimated figures for the current year.
§ Mr. BennWhilst the National Coal Board conducts its research activities on lines settled in consultation with me, the detailed allocation of resources is a matter for the board and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.