HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc600-1W
John Thurso

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the Generic Wave Energy Device, ETSU proposal number 254/1; and if she will make a statement. [5855]

Mr. Wilson

All proposals for DTI funding to support the development of renewable energy technologies are assessed under the same rigorous assessment process involving independent advisers with relevant professional background. The Generic Wave Energy Device proposal was so assessed and was not recommended for DTI support.

Comprehensive details of the assessment process are available to any interested party via DTI's website or, for those without easy access to the internet, a paper version can be obtained from DTI's programme manager.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money her Department has allocated to the National Assembly for Wales since 1 July 1999 for the development of the renewable energy industry. [6399]

Mr. Wilson

None.

My Department's research and development programme for renewable and sustainable energy is a UK-wide programme. Funds are assigned to projects in Wales but not to the National Assembly.

The Non Fossil Fuel Obligation supports projects across England and Wales, but again with no direct allocation to the National Assembly.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with her colleagues in the National Assembly concerning the future development of the renewable energy industry in Wales. [6400]

Mr. Wilson

Consultations between Minister, including National Assembly Ministers, are currently under way on the terms of the Renewables Obligation, covering England and Wales, which is to be laid before Parliament in the autumn. The Obligation represents the key policy instrument towards the achievement of our renewable energy targets.

John Thurso

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the proposals(a) received and (b) approved under the new and renewable energy programme number 354 water technologies, indicating how many did not use oscillating water columns. [5854]

Mr. Wilson

I have asked the DTI's Renewable and Sustainable Energy Programme Manager to provide the information requested including details of the types of technology requesting support.

A copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.