§ 9. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to encourage the greater use of coal in industry.
§ Mr. John MooreMy 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. DormandIs 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. MooreOne 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 PaisleyWhat 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. MooreI have had no personal discussions with my right hon. Friend, but I shall draw his attention to the hon. Member's remarks.