asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on Government policy towards alternative energy; and what steps he is taking to encourage further experimentation in the use of solar heating.

The Government's policy is to investigate all alternative energy resources with a view to encouraging research and development into those which show some chance of making a significant and economic contribution to our long-term energy needs. The Energy Technology Support Unit has been carrying out assessment studies into various new energy sources including solar energy. It has recently submitted a report on solar energy which has been considered by the Advisory Council for Research and Development which recommends that a national R. & D. programme should be set up. Inter-departmental discussions to delineate this have now started.