§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest figures for the comparable costs of wave energy electricity as compared with other energy sources.
§ Mr. MellorThe designs provided by the device teams for the latest review are still being assessed. The determination of comparative cost figures for wave energy forms part of this examination.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will ensure that all the available information on the wave energy devices that are currently being investigated is made available to Parliament before a final decision is taken.
§ Mr. MellorI cannot undertake to make all the information available before taking any decisions. However, I intend to continue the previous practice of publishing as much as possible of the technical background to my Department's research programmes. I will ensure that published reports are placed in the Library.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 22 January, Official Report, c. 223, if he has yet completed his review of the future of the wave energy programme; what advice he has had from the Advisory Council on Research and Development for Fuel and Power; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorI expect to make a decision on the future of the wave energy programme when I have considered the advice arising from a recent meeting of the Advisory Council on Research and Development for Fuel and Power.