§ 28. Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is considering any amendments to the Energy Act 1983 to encourage the private generation of electricity by wind power.
§ Mr. GoodladNo. The Energy Act 1983 has already put in place a framework designed to facilitate the development of economic private generation, whether from renewable or other sources.
§ 35. Mr. Dickensasked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received seeking increased finance for research and development of wind power.
§ Mr. David HuntI have received from the British Wind Energy Association a copy of its position paper "Wind368W Power for the UK" which, inter alia, calls for increased expenditure on research and development in wind energy. My Department regards wind power as one of the most promising alternative energies and has spent some £20 million since 1979 on R&D into the harnessing of wind power. Our current annual spend is around £4 million. I have invited the BWEA to discuss its paper with my officials.