Written question asked by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 March 2000. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment he has made of the contribution of tidal barrages to meeting the Government's 10 per cent. target for renewable energy; and if he will make a statement. - INcludes ref to 'New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21 Century - Supporting Analysis'.

Answer: Mr. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the contribution of tidal barrages to meeting the Government's 10 per cent. target for renewable energy; and if he will make a statement. [113135] Mrs. Liddell: Under the Government's policy on renewables the choice of technology to meet future targets will be left largely to the industry. The assessment undertaken for the Government's consultation document on renewables "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21 Century--Supporting Analysis" did not lead us to expect a significant contribution from tidal barrages in meeting current targets.

Secondary information