HC Deb 19 June 1975 vol 893 cc503-4W
Mr. Ginsburg

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest position concerning the development of fluidised combustion.

Mr. Eadie,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 18th June 1975; Vol. 893, c. 464], gave the following information:

The National Coal Board is financing development work on the application of fluidised bed combustion to industrial boilers and to the treatment of colliery wastes. The National Research Development Corporation is considering applications for work in relation to waste incineration. Work on pressurised systems for power generation is continuing in the laboratories of the National Coal Board under contract with the United States Government through Combustion Systems Limited, which is also actively seeking opportunities for commercial exploitation of the technology both in the United Kingdom and overseas. In the international field, under the auspices of the International Energy Agency, the Working Group on Coal Research and Development is formulating proposals for joint capital projects, from which the United Kingdom may benefit.

Mr. Ginsburg

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what contribution is proposed by Her Majesty's Government to the development of fluidised combustion along the lines of the commitment entered into by his predecessor in paragraph 72 of the Final Report 1974 of the Coal Industry Examination.

Mr. Eadie,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 18th June 1975; Vol. 893, c. 464], gave the following information:

A decision on a Government contribution will be taken in the light of the outcome of discussions on international collaboration under the auspices of the International Energy Agency.