§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to encourage the building of new production capacity for solar products in the United Kingdom. [48893]
§ Mr. BattleThe Government are committed to a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy sources. In June 1997 I initiated a review of new and renewable energy policy, including what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK's electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010. The Review is considering what further Government support might be given to encourage the development of all forms of renewable energy, including solar power.
I have also visited the photovoltaic (PV) roof at Ford's plant in Bridgend (which has panels supplied by BP Solar) and the Intersolar factory in South Wales.
The UK is competitive with any other country in Europe as a location for new production plants. Amongst the attractions are low corporation tax, low costs of production, an established enterprise culture, a skilled adaptable workforce, and an established industrial infrastructure. My Department would be pleased to talk to any companies which are thinking of setting up a solar manufacturing plant in this country, and to advise them on the range of incentives available, such as Regional Selective Assistance and other Enterprise grants.