§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects the construction of the Point of Ayr colliery coal liquefaction pilot scheme to begin and to be operating; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThe National Coal Board expects, in a few months' time, to place a civil engineering contract for the 2½ tonne per day coal liquefaction project at Point of Ayr. This contract will cover site preparation and erection of main buildings. A general construction contract for process plant is scheduled for the end of 1985, after completion of the current work on detailed engineering design. In the meantime, advanced orders are being planned for key plant items.
Completion of construction is expected in 1987 and will be followed by a phased start-up of process equipment.
The board's commitment to construction was triggered by the award of £4.8 million support from the European Economic Community and was not conditional on further direct support from the Government. However, the £2.5 million balance of the Department of Energy's contribution remains on offer and is subject only to NCB securing suitable participation from the private sector. The chairman and the board are continuing their discussions with interested parties.