asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much money is currently allocated for research at the Energy Technology Support Unit, Harwell; and if he will examine whether this is sufficient, in view of the potential savings in import costs and wasteful use of fossil fuels which may be able to be avoided, dependent on adequate research in this field.

The provision for the Energy Technology Support Unit in 1974–75 was £200,000. This is to be increased to £690,000 for 1975–76 to meet the additional needs that have now been recognised. I am satisfied with this rate of build-up.