HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc640-1W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what amount of money was allocated to Government sponsored research and development for renewable energy which is non-nuclear and does not involve the production of energy through waste incineration in each year since 1987.

Mr. Eggar

The amount of Government expenditure on research and development for renewable energy, not involving the production of energy through waste incineration, in each year since 1987 is as follows:

Year Spend
(£ millions)
1987–88 16.2
1988–89 15.8
1989–90 17.7
1990–91 20.5
1991–92 23.1
1992–93 23.6

The allocation for 1993–94 is estimated at £22.6 million.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to ensure that all contracts for renewable energy under the non-fossil fuel obligation are for a minimum of 10 years beginning from the date of commissioning the projects.

Mr. Eggar

My intention is that the third renewables order will run for 15 to 20 years as from November 1994. This will allow the public electricity suppliers to offer generators contracts for a similar period.