§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Industry what research and development he is sponsoring currently on solar energy; if he will list projects receiving financial support from his Department; and what is the total budget for such programmes projected over each of the next five years.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe projects on solar energy currently receiving financial support from my Department are one on developing photo-voltaic solar cells for terrestrial use and another dealing with basic material development. These are being funded jointly with industry, and my Department's contribution is expected to be £100,000, most of which will be incurred during the current financial year, the balance in 1976–77. I anticipate that my Department will contribute to some further solar energy work by industry and universities during the next few years.