§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps are being taken in the light of the Nuclear industry (Finance) Bill and its recent allotment of money to British Nuclear Fuels Limited and associates, to provide research into alternative energy with similar funds.
§ Mr. EadieFunds for my Department's research into non-nuclear alternative energy sources are provided under Class IV Vote 9. This funding is not affected by the Nuclear Industry (Finance) Act 1977. The proposed expenditures, which have already been announced, on these sources are commensurate with the stages of development and their potential contribution to the country's energy requirements.