§ 31. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to promote the consumption of coal and the application of modern technology which will extend the use of coal.
§ 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 scheme will apply to both conventional and new coal-using technologies, including fluidised bed combustion.
As far as other new coal-using technologies are concerned, the British Gas Corporation is bringing its 211W substitute natural gas technology towards the stage of commercial scale demonstration. The way forward on coal liquefaction is the subject of current discussion with the NCB.