§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what funds his Department has allocated in 1988–89 and 1989–90 for research on(a) nuclear energy, (b) hydro-electric power, (c) wave power and (d) wind power;
(2) what is the total budget in 1988–89 and 1989–90 for research on alternative forms of electricity generation to nuclear and coal.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerEstimated expenditure by my Department in 1988–89 on the named research and development programmes will be as follows:
£ million Nuclear Energy 144.57 of which: Fast reactor 76.61 Fusion 22.46 Nuclear Safety 22.57 Radioactive Waste and Nuclear Materials Management 6.38 Other Nuclear Research 16.55 Hydro-electric Power 0.15 Wave Power 0.15 Wind Power 4.30 Estimated expenditure in 1988–89 on research and development on alternative forms of electricity generation is £5.65 million, covering programmes of work on hydroelectricity, tidal, wave, and wind. In addition, expenditure of £4.75 million is expected on programmes (biomass, geothermal) for energy sources which could be used either to provide heat or to generate electricity.
Expenditure forecasts for 1989–90 will be published in the 1989 public expenditure White Paper early in the new year.