Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Ian Lucas (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 20 October 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Climate Change

Question: At the next such meeting, will my hon. Friend, who has an outstanding record in this field, impress upon the DTI the genuine concern that exists in the microgeneration industry about the future of the photovoltaic demonstration programme? There is a real opportunity for photovoltaics to play a major role in the future, but there is concern that the DTI is not getting its house in order in taking this project forward.

Answer: I understand the point that my hon. Friend makes. PV generation forms part of the action plan on microgeneration, on which the DTI is consulting. On my recent visits around the country, I have been impressed to note that some local authorities have incorporated PV into public housing and municipal buildings. I hope that we will see more such developments, which are supported by grant aid from the DTI and the regional development agencies.

Secondary information