Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will provide additional research and development tax relief to companies developing innovative technologies to help accelerate the decommissioning process.

There is a continuing need for research and development to support the safe, secure and cost effective decommissioning of energy installations in the UK. The Government already has in place a number of measures, including R&D tax credits for SMEs and large companies, to support research and development across the economy. Therefore, my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to raise with my rt. hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer the issue of providing further specific tax relief in this area.