§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Now that the three-year programme on fluidised bed technology at Grimethorpe has been completed, what further developments are planned for this facility; and
Whether they intend to provide financial support to British Coal for its development of the Topping Cycle, a system based on the Grimethorpe fluidised bed technology.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy (Baroness Hooper)The Pressurised Fluidised Bed Combustion experimental facility at Grimethorpe is the property of British Coal and as such its future is for the commercial judgement of British Coal management. British Coal has invited government to participate in the proposed development programme for the Topping Cycle to be based at Grimethorpe, and talks are continuing. Any government support would be contingent upon maximising private sector participation.