§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Industry if, bearing in mind the size of the overseas market for desalination plants, he will set up a desalination working party to consider research and development as related to possible overseas projects.
§ Mr. CryerI am very conscious of the opportunities in overseas markets for United Kingdom manufacturers of desalination equipment. My Department has, of course, supported a number of R and D programmes in the desalination area over a considerable period of time. During the past five years the Department's Chemicals and Minerals Requirements Board (CMRB) has approved expenditure on four United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority programmes, namely, the background and exploratory technical assistance—BETA—programme and three others directed at multiple effect flash distillation, additives—for prevention of scale formation—and reverse osmosis—on which Board funding has only just ceased. The CMRB withdrew its support for BETA in 1974, largely due to the lack of industrial support for the programme. Indeed, as was pointed out to the hon. Gentleman by Lord Beswick in his letter of 24th September 1975, the view has been taken that continued departmental funding in this area is only justified if industry itself is prepared to make a substantial contribution. There is, nevertheless, a need to keep a close and continuing eye on the situation, and my Department is currently reviewing the need for Government support for research and development in this sector. Any further action will depend upon the outcome of the review.