§ Mr. Patchettasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much money has been expended by his Department on the fluidised bed combustion system technology in each of the last five years; what are the projected figures for the next three years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntDepartmental expenditure for British Coal's participation in the pressurised fluidised bed combustion work at Grimethorpe under International Energy Agency auspices averaged £3.3 million in each of the three years from 1981–82 to 1983–84. In 1984–85 ownership of that facility transferred to British Coal which will, until 1988, be engaged in a £28 million programme of work with the CEGB to provide engineering data needed before the technology can move to full scale demonstration. Alongside this study the Department, jointly with British Coal and the CEGB, is engaged in design studies of advanced power stations employing fluidised bed combustion technologies. The level of future funding will depend on the outcome of these studies.