§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what financial support the Goverment are giving(a) to coal gasification research projects and (b) to research into pressurised fluidised bed combustion technologies in 1990–91.
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§ Mr. WakehamMy Department is providing £870,000 on coal gasification, of which nearly £600,000 falls in 1990–91, which represents about 15 per cent. of the total expenditure on the project.
My Department has offered to provide 50 per cent. of the cost of the experimental work at Grimethorpe on the topping cycle concept, up to £8 million. British Coal is currently pursuing negotiations with possible industrial partners and the level of Government support cannot be settled until those negotiations are completed.