§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any proposals to seek powers to compel the electricity industry to investigate the use of renewable energy powers before embarking on investment in nuclear, coal or oil-fired power stations.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI have no plans to seek such powers. In co-operation with industry, the Government are supporting research into renewable energy sources with the object of ensuring that so far as possible they are developed to the stage where they can compete fairly with traditional energy sources.