§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the annual Government expenditure on research and development for renewable energy sources since 1979–80; and what are the provisional estimates for expenditure in 1992–93 and 1993–94 expressed in money terms and at 1991–92 prices.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 18 June 1992]: For 1979–80 to 1989–90, I refer the hon. Member to the reply on 21 November 1991, Official Report, columns 260-62. Outturn expenditure under the renewables energy budget for 1991 was £0.6 million higher than the estimated provision for that year of £24.0 million. Provision for 1992–93 is £24.3 million—£23.1 million in 1991–92 prices. Expenditure for 1993–94 will be determined in the course of the public expenditure survey exercise.