§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) how much was allocated to the scheme to encourage industry to switch to coal-fired boilers; and how much has been spent to date;
(2) if he is satisfied with the operation of the scheme to encourage industry to switch to coal-fired boilers; if he will review it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he is satisfied with the take-up of the scheme announced in the budget to encourage conversion from oil to coal firing; and if he will publish details of how much of the funds allocated have so far been used;
(2) if he will extend the scheme to encourage the conversion from oil to coal firing to include gas to coal also.
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§ Mr. MacGregor£50 million has been allocated to the coal-fired boiler scheme; 54 applications for grant assistance have been received and so far the Department has made offers on 24 of these cases, representing grant totalling £978,000. No payment of grant has yet been made. I am satisfied with the operation of the scheme, although the rate of applications has been slower than originally anticipated. The scope and coverage of the scheme is currently being reviewed and the possibility of extending the scheme to cover conversions from gas to coal firing will be considered.