HC Deb 16 July 1981 vol 8 c435W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what part his Department played in securing a European Economic Community loan for the British Gas Corporation's slagging gasifier at Westfield, Fife; and what is the specific purpose and what are the terms of the loan.

Mr. John Moore

British Gas made its application for aid direct to the Commission in response to an invitation for proposals in the field of coal gasification and liquefaction published in the Official Journal for 12 April 1980, pages C91/3, 91/4. That invitation also contained details of the Community's alternative energy demonstration scheme under which the aid would be made available. British Gas Corporation's application, together with all others made, was considered by the Commission in the light of the adv ices of an advisory committee on which Her Majesty's Government are represented, which advice was favourable to the British Gas Corporation's application.