§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are his plans for allocating the recent £240 million refund from the European Community, earmarked for energy research; how much will go to support development of devices in alternative energy; and what support there will be for work in this area in the west midlands.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) how much of the recent refund of £240 million from the European Community is earmarked for energy research;
(2) what plans he has for allocating the sum refunded from the European Community for energy research; on what basis the allocation has been made; how much funding will be directed to the development of devices designed to produce energy from (a) waves and (b) wind; and how much will be directed to organisations and companies in the west midlands.
§ Mr. GrayThe energy projects which will gain support of 400 mecu (£230 million) under the European Community's budget refunds to the United Kingdom are still under consideration by the European Commission.
I expect the final package to cover capital expenditure in 1982–83 on projects in the gas and electricity supply industries which reflect a broad spectrum of the 523W Community's energy objectives. However, I do not expect, on this occasion, that research, develeopment and demonstration projects will be covered. This is because in the time available—refunds are due no later than 31 March—there would have been practical difficulties in making necessary changes to contracts covering this sort of project and because the EC supplementary budget already anticipates further support in this area—under regulations now before the Energy Council.