HL Deb 14 March 2003 vol 645 cc213-4WA
Lord Campbell of Croy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish a White Paper on the future of coal-fired power stations in the United Kingdom, including the case for using British coal and the need to protect the environment. [HL2007]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The Government's recent White PaperOur Energy Future recognises that coal-fired generation will have an important part to play in widening the diversity of the energy mix, provided ways can be found materially to reduce its carbon emissions. We will continue to support relevant research projects, including internationally, to develop options for cleaner coal technologies and for carbon capture and storage.

Indigenous coal competes freely with imported coal to supply electricity generators. We have recently announced a coal investment aid scheme worth up to £60 million over three years to support chosen commercially realistic projects which maintain access to reserves and preserve jobs in mining areas.