§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce a non-fossil fuel obligation within the Scottish electricity generating industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage wind-generated power in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangGovernment research and development into renewable energy sources is managed by the Department of Energy. Since 1979 the Government have spent over £140 million (over £190 million at 1989 prices) on research into renewable energy sources with the aim of identifying those technologies which can economically meet the energy needs of the next century. A 10 to 15-year programme is presently under way in conjunction with the electricity industry which, if successful, should provide the basis for the commercial exploitation of wind power from the late 1990s onward.
The Scottish Office has consistently stressed that Government support would be available for a viable Scottish development.