HC Deb 15 July 1988 vol 137 cc421-2W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, in addition to the research priorities set out in "Energy Paper 55," he will review the possibility of further international research and development initiatives, in response to the proposals of the Prime Minister of Norway to the Toronto world conference on the changing atmosphere for a comprehensive international research and information programme on renewable energy.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Where appropriate the United Kingdom is participating in a number of collaborative research programmes, notably within the framework of the International Energy Agency and the European Commission. We are also working closely with the United States Department of Energy under a bilateral agreement. A review of these activities formed a part of the development of our long-term strategy on renewable energy as outlined in "Energy Paper 55".

The United Kingdom plays a full and active part in the International Energy Agency renewables research programmes, which are reviewed regularly by the agency's renewable energy working party. The United Kingdom has also played the leading role in establishing for the agency a comprehensive information energy technology database, which includes renewable energy information. The agreement for this multilateral information programme was signed in January 1987. Copies of a brochure which describes the programme and its objectives are in the Libraries of the House.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy for copies of "Energy paper 55", on "Renewable Energy in the United Kingdom: The Way Forward", to be distributed to public libraries as soon as possible.

Mr. Michael Spicer

As with all HMSO publications, a copy of "Energy Paper 55" has been sent to six main libraries for copyright purposes:

British Library; National Library of Scotland; National Library of Wales; Bodelian Library; Oxford; Cambridge University Library; and Trinity College Library, Dublin.

Copies of all HMSO publications are also sent to the British Library lending division and are available for loan by anyone in the United Kingdom by arrangement with his local library. In addition, 67 rnain public libraries automatically receive copies. Copies of the energy paper are also available for sale from the many HMSO bookshops and accredited agents throughout the United Kingdom. These arrangements should ensure the energy paper is readily accessible to all those interested in reading about the Government's long-term plaits for renewable energy.