§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will undertake an efficiency and effectiveness survey of the Office of Electricity Regulation, the Non-Fossil Fuel Purchasing Agency Ltd. and Her Majesty's Government in encouraging small and medium hydro-electric generators.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe non-fossil fuel obligation has proved an effective vehicle for stimulating a variety of renewables technologies. Twenty-six hydro-electric projects, with a declared net capacity of 12 MW, contracted with the regional electricity companies under the 1990 renewables order. My right hon. Friend has announced 259W that he has it in mind to introduce a reserved tranche for hydro projects under the 1991 renewables order. In these circmstances, I do not consider an efficiency and effectiveness survey of the kind proposed by the hon. Member to be necessary.