§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Minister of Overseas Development what aid schemes are being used for research into the subsequent application of thermo-geological resources for energy in St. Lucia in particular, and elsewhere; and what is her Department's policy in general towards energy problems in developing countries.
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§ Mr. TomlinsonThe results of aid-financed exploration on St. Lucia which has revealed possibilities for the production of electricity using geothermally produced steam are being considered, with other relevant information, by the Commonwealth Development Corporation with a view to the commercial exploitation of the resource. The Institute of Geological Sciences has begun explorations in Panama and will start work soon in Montserrat. The Institute has also had discussions on geothermal energy possibilities with the Governments of Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Zambia, Kenya and other African countries, which could lead to further exploratory work.
Energy problems in developing countries are of prime concern to my Department, and some research into alternative energy sources is being supported from the aid programme. My right hon. Friend intends to consult informally with interested British scientists about possible ways of increasing our help in this field.