HL Deb 22 December 1982 vol 437 cc1168-9WA
Lord Ironside

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(i) What contributions were made to the International Energy Agency (IEA) for research and development in each of the last five years.

(ii) Whether these contributions are shown in the budget of the department concerned.

(iii) What was the total value of the contracts received from the IEA by British companies and other bodies during the same period.

Lord Skelmersdale

The IEA does not have a specific budget for research, development and demonstration. The United Kingdom contribution to all IEA activities over the last five years was as follows:—

Financial Year
£
1977–78 .. .. .. 121,000
1978–79 .. .. .. 283,000
1979–80 .. .. .. 280,000
1980–81 .. .. .. 294,000
1981–82 .. .. .. 313,000

It is impossible to identify what percentage of the contribution goes towards the small IEA staff involved with research, development and demonstration issues. The department's contribution to the IEA is shown in the Department of Energy budget Class IV, 5 Section D.

The IEA does not award contracts for research, development and demonstration. But in 1981 United Kingdom companies and organisations were signatories to 28 IEA Implementing Agreements.