asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, bearing in mind the size of the fluoridation market for desalination plants, he will set up a desalination working party to consider research and development as related to possible overseas projects.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to him on 2nd May—[Vol. 949, c. 26.] Research and development for overseas desalination projects is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry.