§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Energy by how much and when he expects to increase energy investment in the public sector nuclear, coal and solar energy industries, respectively, to reduce reliance on imported oil as intended at the Venice summit.
§ Mr. David HowellInvestment in coal is already proceeding at record levels, and further investment in nuclear power428W was envisaged in my statement to the House on 18th 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.