§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Technology if, in view of the export potential of desalination plant, he will take additional steps to encourage research and development in desalination and other alternative methods of obtaining fresh water.
Mr. BeanThe main objection of the current desalination research and development programme is to assist British industrial firms to maintain their technical lead in desalination, particularly in overseas markets.
Progress to date has been most encouraging and the U.K.A.E.A., and my 84W Ministry are now considering the scope of development work in the longer term, having regard to future market prospects.