§ Mr. HindTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy, what progress has been made since the "Wood: Fuel for Thought" conference in Bristol in October to exploit short-term arable coppice as a wood fuel.
§ Mr. MoynihanI can today announce the setting up of the farm wood fuel and energy project in which five farms will grow short-rotation arable coppice as a commercial enterprise to produce wood fuel. The farmers who have agreed to participate are:
- John Willmer Esq. of Clanfield, Oxford
- Brian Maggs Esq. of Compton Dando, Bristol
245 - Robert Goodwin Esq. of Kelvedon, Colchester
- Christopher Barnes Esq. of Morebath, Tiverton and
- Lord Falmouth of Tregothnan, Truro
R. H. and R. W. Clutton, chartered surveyors and land agents, will be assisting these farmers to establish this energy crop and in due course will identify energy markets for the wood fuel.
The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service will independently monitor the commercial viability of these enterprises in order to inform other farmers interested in arable coppice. Environmental Research Limited will be carrying out an assessment of the environmental impact of the crop. I expect this project to be the first step in the realisation of the very significant potential for energy crops in the United Kingdom.