§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions his Department has had with the horticulture industry and the Central Electricity Generating Board about the use of waste heat from power stations to replace oil in heating glasshouses; and if he will encourage activity in this field by grants or other subsidies.
§ Mr. WigginThe Agricultural Development and Advisory Service of my Department has participated with the Central Electricity Generating Board and others in studying the application of alternative energy sources to glasshouse heating. Its services are freely available to anyone considering the use of power station reject heat, and grant aid is already offered in appropriate cases including those where relocation of commercial glasshouses is necessary. However, it continues to be our policy, which is strongly supported by the National Farmers' Union, not to use public funds to encourage an overall expansion of the national glasshouse area.