§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much he has spent on the development of low carbon technology in each year since 1995. [137214]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Department has spent under its Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme in each year since 1995 the following amounts directly supporting Research and Development (R & D) into low-carbon technologies. On average an additional 30 per cent. has been spent each year on R & D related promotion. The amounts vary from year-to-year according to opportunities and programme priorities. For example, the number of quality R & D proposals put forward changes, the needs of energy users move between R & D and requirements for other types of support. In the last few years needs have focused on more impartial advice.
£ million 1995–96 1.7 1996–97 1.7 1997–98 1.2 1998–99 0.7 1999–2000 0.5 2000–01 11.1 1estimated outturn The Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme is the UK Government's principal energy efficiency information, advice and research and development programme for the public and private sectors. The programme covers industrial processes, buildings and the managed housing stock.The Department's Partners in Innovation scheme has also supported collaborative projects on low carbon technologies broadly at the level of £50,000 per year. The Partners in Innovation scheme is a central part of the Department's Construction, Innovation and Research programme.
726WIt is the Department's intention to provide a significant stimulus to R & D in future years through the funding recently announced for the Carbon Trust in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith), by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 357W.