§ 15. Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on his Department's research into refuse combustion as a source of power generation.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMunicipal and industrial refuse, surplus straw and forestry wastes are major potential sources of energy. My Department is undertaking a substantial programme of R and D aimed at overcoming the difficulties of handling and burning these materials. In the current financial year over £700,000 is expected to be spent on the work.