§ 35.Mr. Maxwellasked the Minister of Technology whether he has commissioned studies of the potential market in desalination plant over the medium and long term throughout the world; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Benn:Yes. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority have carried out such studies in consultation with industry. In the four years to the end of 1966 installed capacity in the developing countries rose from 17 to 80 million gallons per day. With the urgent need for additional water in both developing and industrial countries, there is every expectation that this trend will continue and, indeed, be accentuated. This is an important and rapidly growing market in which the prospects for British industry, which pioneered its growth, are most promising.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology what study he has made of Mr. de Rothschild's proposals on Water for the Middle East, in relation to desalination plants, details of which have been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Bray:The Department participated in a detailed inter-departmental study of the proposals. Technically, the proposals were feasible; but they presented substantial economic and political difficulties. For example, the water produced would have been unacceptably dear for most agricultural use.
With respect to the political problems involved, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. Archer) by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.—[Vol. 756, c.278]
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