§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what effect the withdrawal of British Petroleum from the coal liquefaction project at Point of Ayr, North Wales, will have on the viability of the project.
§ Mr. John MooreThe National Coal Board has been seeking financial support for the Point of Ayr project from a variety of sources. I have received no formal report on the progress which has been made or the extent to which participation by BP is crucial to the viability of the project.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much public money has been spent on the coal liquefaction project at Point of Ayr, North Wales; how much has been committed; and whether the Government are prepared to fund the contribution formerly provided by the National Coal Board's partners.
§ Mr. John MooreThe Government have committed £860,000 to the National Coal Board's research and development programme on coal liquefaction since 1979, and that programme has included design studies on the pilot plant proposed for Point of Ayr. Five million pounds has also been made available for the construction of the Point of Ayr plant. That offer is still open, but is still contingent upon the National Coal Board securing a significant contribution from private industry. The board will now no doubt wish to look carefully at the possibility of finding new private sector partners.