asked the Secretary of State for Industry what financial assistance has been granted by his Department to support research and development in the United Kingdom lighting industry.

Within the last few years there has been no financial support given by my Department for the purposes mentioned by the hon. Member. However, a Chief Scientist's (Electrotechnical) Requirements Board has recently been formed which is aimed at encouraging research and development projects in the whole of the electrical industry, including, of course, the lighting industry.