§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any proposals to broaden research and development at the Atomic Energy Authority establishment at Harwell to allow for a higher priority of work on solar, tidal, wavepower and windpower; and if there are any plans to step up work at Harwell on improving efficiency of combustion systems using coal and other energy conservation projects.
§ Mr. EadieMy Department's Energy Technology Support Unit at Harwell is being built up to enable it to meet its functions of assessment and management of our growing R & D programmes in these fields and of the overall strategic assessment of national energy R & D requirements. Harwell already carries out a substantial energy R & D programme for several Government Departments. My Department is placing R & D contracts with Harwell when it is the 337W most appropriate establishment to carry out the work.