HC Deb 09 December 1985 vol 88 cc424-5W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what approaches he has made to local authorities to assist in the development of the coal firing scheme; what responses he has received; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether the coal firing scheme applies in the public sector.

Mr. David Hunt

The coal firing scheme is operated under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982, which provides powers for the Government to make available selective assistance for purposes connected with the development of industry. Public sector bodies are therefore not in general eligible to receive such support.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list those bodies that have to date taken advantage of the coal firing scheme, giving the actual or estimated coal tonnage taken up.

Mr. David Hunt

Details of companies given assistance under the coal firing scheme are published quarterly in the Department of Trade and Industry's journalBritish Business, copies of which are held in the Library of the House. By the end of November 1985 total annual coalburn for projects receiving coal firing grant exceeded 2.5 million tonnes.