Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to introduce new initiatives for European co-operation on(a) renewable energy technologies, (b) fast breeder nuclear technology and (c) fusion reactor technology at the next Council of European Energy Ministers meeting in Luxembourg on 30 October.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThere is already an active programme of collaboration within the EEC on research and demonstration programmes in renewable energy technologies. During its Presidency the United Kingdom initiated a series of exchanges within the EEC on renewable energy. As a result senior scientific advisers from each member state now meet regularly to exchange information and to co-ordinate programmes within the Community.
The Council will be discussing a Commission proposal, for a further five-year programme to promote energy technology in Europe, which includes support for work on renewable energy sources. The Commission has also submitted proposals for a new framework programme on research and development which includes work on all the technologies mentioned. This will be discussed by the Community's research council.