§ 37. Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received on the projected expenditure levels of research and development of renewable sources of energy by his Department over the next five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ParkinsonI have received a number of representations in relation to future expenditure levels for research into the renewable sources of energy, the most recent of which have come from Members of this House.
Over £124 million has already been invested by my Department in developing and promoting the renewable technologies and strong support will continue to be provided to ensure their full economic potential is realised. 294W The public expenditure White Paper (Cm. 288, published in January 1988) envisages around £50 million will be spent on research into these technologies over the next three years. Information for subsequent years is not available.
An energy paper setting out the Government's strategy in relation to renewable sources of energy will be published in June.