§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal incentives and administrative measures would be effective in supplementing market forces to encourage energy investment to fulfil the commitments made at Venice.
§ Mr. David HowellI have been asked to reply.
Investment in coal is already proceeding at record levels, and further investment in nuclear power was envisaged in my statement to the House on 18 December 1979. The Government are carrying out research into other energy sources, including solar power.
I am confident that these programmes, coupled with the action we are taking on energy pricing and conservation, will take the United Kingdom well on the way to fulfilling the commitments made at Venice. We shall continue to keep progress, and the case for supplementary action, where necessary and cost-effective, under review.