asked the Secretary of State for Energy what support his Department is giving to research and development of tidal power (a) this financial year and (b) in 1987–88.

In July last year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the launch of a major new phase in the United Kingdom's tidal programme, costing £5½ million. This includes advanced investigation into a Severn barrage on a line near to Cardiff and Weston costing £4·2 million, shared equally between the Department, CEGB and the Severn Tidal Power Group: studies into a Mersey Barrage proposed by the Mersey Barrage Company towards which the Department is contributing up to £400,000; and generic studies funded by the Department, including environmental issues, construction techniques and the potential of smaller sites around the United Kingdom. Work on the programme is spread over a number of years; budget provision this year is £0·3 million.