§ 15. Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to support research and development into water-generated electricity in the immediate and in the longer term.
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§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy Department will continue to support any renewable energy electricity generation scheme which shows promise of economic viability in the commercial market.
§ 19. Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proportions of the anticipated electricity generation for the next 10 years will be met by(a) nuclear, (b) coal-fired, (c) oil-fired, (d) hydro, and (e) other, power stations.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerAt present the industry estimates that in 1998 the proportions of electricity generating capacity in England and Wales would be:
per cent. (a) nuclear 14 (b) coal fired 60 (c) oil fired 17 (d) hydro 3 (e) others 5 It will, of course, be for the privatised industry to make its own investment plans.
§ 21. Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to encourage the casual production of electricity as a by-product of other industrial processes.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe production of electricity associated with heat for industrial use is already widespread. I hope to see expansion in this field.