HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 c26W
33. Mr. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the position with regard to the geothermal project in Southampton; whether the pumping trials are successfully completed; and if this will be a commercial viable proposition.

Mr. Mellor

My Department is giving high priority to the successful completion of the pumping test at Southampton, which has suffered some delay due to the mechanical failure of a pump. The main purpose of this test is to establish whether the use of geothermal energy in the proposed heating scheme is likely to be economic.