§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the potential use of the electric car; and what proportion of his Department's transport budget this constituted in (i) percentage and (ii) real terms. [8598]
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 16 January 1996]: The Government are considering the role that alternative fuels, including electricity, might play in minimising road transport emissions. To that end, they are continuing to sponsor studies, including the £1.2 million collaborative field trials of alternative fuels and a study into life cycle emissions. Results are expected towards the end of this year. It is not possible to apportion costs by fuel type.