§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the number, staffing and costing of research projects being undertaken or based, respectively, in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. EadieEnergy research and development projects are carried out through the agency of a large number of bodies such as the nationalised fuel industries, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and outside contractors. As the details are not aggregated under the locations in which the projects are being undertaken it would involve disproportionate expense to compile such information.
However, I can confirm my reply of 12th November 1976 to the hon. Member that some 20–25 per cent. of that expenditure for which my right hon. Friend has responsibility, including that of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in direct support of the power programme
22Wto a wide margin or error.
plus fusion, was spent in Scotland in the last financial year. I would expect this proportion to be maintained during the current financial year.