HC Deb 18 February 1980 vol 979 cc21-2W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the number of people currently employed in research and development in energy matters.

Mr. David Howell

I have made no estimate of the total number of people currently employed in research and development in energy matters. This work is carried out in both private and public organisations. The UKAEA and the nationalised fuel and power industries employ about 6,000 qualified scientists and engineers in this general area, while 60 are employed in my Department and in its energy technology support unit in the planning and management of my Department's programmes.