§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's assessment of the proportion of United Kingdom energy requirements that could be supplied by wind power; and what action is being taken by the Government to make maximum use of this energy source.
§ Mr. EggarThe Government is encouraging the exploitation of the potential for wind energy in the United Kingdom consistent with economic and environmental constraints, through measures including a comprehensive programme of research, development and demonstration and the orders under the non-fossil fuel obligation. The contribution from wind power is subject to many uncertainties including future fuel prices. My Department has estimated it could be equivalent to up to 10 per cent. of current electricity consumption by 2025.