§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will report on progress made for development of combined heat and power.
§ Mr. MellorI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 28 June—[Vol. 26, c. 227]—about progress with the combined heat and power-district heating feasibility programme. On industrial combined heat and power, the Government have taken a number of measures to encourage the development of worthwhile schemes. The extended energy survey scheme has been expanded so that grants of up to 50 per cent. can be given towards the costs of employing a consultant to provide an assessment of the possibility of installing combined heat and power; we are also considering proposals for a number of projects under the energy conservation demonstration projects scheme. The Government have also given consent for the construction of two industrial CHP schemes by the Midlands electricity board and intend next Session to legislate to allow the private generation of electricity as a main business. Consultations on these legislative changes are in progress.