§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when his Department's programme on photovoltaic cell-based solar energy devices began; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanOn 8 May, I announced that the Government would fund a programme of research into the use of solar power for electricity production. The first contract under that programme was let in June 1991. To date, contracts have been placed covering work to the value of more than £200,000. The purpose of the work is to assess the potential for photovoltaic electricity generation in the United Kingdom, particularly when incorporated into building fabric.