asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any proposals to broaden research and development at the Atomic Energy Authority establishment at Harwell to allow for a higher priority of work on solar, tidal, wavepower and windpower; and if there are any plans to step up work at Harwell on improving efficiency of combustion systems using coal and other energy conservation projects.

My Department's Energy Technology Support Unit at Harwell is being built up to enable it to meet its functions of assessment and management of our growing R & D programmes in these fields and of the overall strategic assessment of national energy R & D requirements. Harwell already carries out a substantial energy R & D programme for several Government Departments. My Department is placing R & D contracts with Harwell when it is the most appropriate establishment to carry out the work.