§ Mr. EvansTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans the Government have to review the current policy towards alternative energy sources; [1351]
(2) what plans the Government have to support efforts to refine existing forms of alternative energy to produce more electricity from the same resources; [1350]
(3) what plans the Government have to encourage off-shore windfarms. [1352]
§ Mr. BattleThe Government propose to undertake a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy sources in line with our manifesto commitment. To this end I anticipate reviewing policy including considerations of what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK's electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010 and how renewables can make an effective contribution to meeting requirements for future greenhouse gas reduction commitments. I will make a further announcement in due course. In the meantime the Government's new and renewable energy programme, currently underway will continue. I have already announced that I will initiate shortly a consultation exercise with the relevant trade bodies of the renewable energy industry, OFFER and the regional electricity companies on a fifth non-fossil fuel obligation (NFFO) order for renewable energy in England and Wales, leading to an announcement later in the year.