§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what further action she will take to reduce emissions of methane gas from disused mines. [153250]
§ Alun MichaelWe have secured exemption from the Climate Change Levy for electricity generated from methane from disused coal mines in the United Kingdom. 1565W This was approved by the European Commission following representation by the Government, and came into effect on I November 2003. My Department is sponsoring research to reduce the uncertainties associated with these emissions, and the Department of Trade and Industry has commissioned a study into possible ways to encourage the control of these emissions. The Government will consider what further action to take following the publication of this report, which we expect to be available in March.