HC Deb 03 July 1997 vol 297 cc263-4W
30. Mr. Tipping

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what new steps she intends to take to promote clean coal technology. [5236]

Mr. Battle

Over the next few months we will be conducting a detailed review of the UK's future clean coal technology requirements. As a key part of this review we have recently agreed to contribute some £50,000 to an industry led study as part of the Foresight exercise. The current plans will be included in the Comprehensive Spending Review announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 1 June 1997.

We are working closely with industry to promote UK expertise in clean coal technology for the substantial world export market that exists for these technologies. Already the Department has led one clean coal technology trade mission to India and an inward mission from China will take place in the autumn. Further outward and inward missions are planned for 1998. We are also working closely with the International Energy Agency to promote the development of clean coal technologies in developing countries which are expected to be the main market for these technologies over the next decade and beyond.