§ Mr. Formanasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much is currently being spent in the United Kingdom on research and development in the field of solar energy.
§ Mr. EadieThe amount currently being spent by the Government on research and development on solar energy is about £500,000. Plans for an expanded programme of research and development are being prepared.
§ Mr. Formanasked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of final energy use is expected to be met from solar power in the United Kingdom in the year 2000.
§ Mr. EadieThe United Kingdom's total primary energy consumption in the year 2000 could be in the range of 500–650 million tons coal equivalent (mtce). Current estimates suggest that, with vigorous exploitation, solar energy, as solar heat for buildings, could, if it proved to be economic, supply about 6 mtce—i.e., about 1 per cent.—at that time.