HC Deb 27 April 1981 vol 3 c508
9. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to encourage the greater use of coal in industry.

Mr. John Moore

My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his recent Budget Statement a £50 million grant scheme to encourage industry to make the switch from oil to coal-fired equipment.

The details of the scheme will be announced in the near future by the Department of Industry, which will be responsible for administering the scheme.

Mr. Dormand

Is the Minister aware that the principle of cash aid to firms to persuade them to change to coal firing is to be welcomed? Is he further aware that £50 million is just a token amount? It is chicken feed, and it will go no distance towards meeting the present problems. In view of the large stocks of coal and the need for a long-term policy for the coal industry, will the Minister do everything possible to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer that that sum is trifling and should be vastly increased?

Mr. Moore

One accepts any congratulations, even when they are trifling. One cannot regard a scheme that seeks to increase coal burn by about 2 million tonnes per annum as modest. It is an excellent scheme. We shall want to see the details before discussing additional schemes.

Rev. Ian Paisley

What conversations has the Minister had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about the conversion of the Kilroot power station from oil to coal-firing, and what progress has been made?

Mr. Moore

I have had no personal discussions with my right hon. Friend, but I shall draw his attention to the hon. Member's remarks.