§ 23. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will report progress in co-ordinating international research into alternative forms of energy, with particular reference to reducing unnecessary duplication.
§ Mr. David HuntOn 18 October my right hon. Friend signed a memorandum of understanding with the US792W Department of Energy. This agreement is designed to cut unnecessary duplication and encourage the sharing of resources. Negotiations on the communities' third research and development programme will continue at the Research Council on 6 November.
§ 24. Mr. Burtasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has received any optimistic reports regarding research into the production of geothermal energy.
§ Mr. David HuntMy Department is conducting a programme of research into geothermal aquifers and geothermal hot dry rock. The programme will be reviewed by the Advisory Council for Research and Development next year.