§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans there are for an extension of the Renewables Obligation to include Coal Mine Methane. [95438]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 6 February 2003]: The Government consider that extending the Renewables Obligation to include Coal Mine Methane would not be consistent with the objectives of the Obligation, since Coal Mine Methane is, self-evidently, not a renewable.
However, we are very supportive of this industry and are keen to help it expand so that it can continue to reduce emissions throughout the UK. We have already demonstrated this support through our securing exemption from the Climate Change Levy for electricity generated from CMM in last year's budget, and this is currently being cleared with the European Commission.