§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether there is a business plan and research outline for the United Kingdom Vehicle Emissions Consortium; how much his Department expects to spend in 1991–92; and what the expected output of results from the consortium is for 1991–92.
§ Mr. LeighThe United Kingdom Engine Emissions Consortium comprises a group of United Kingdom vehicle engine and component manufacturers and fuel additive suppliers conducting a three-year programme for pre-competitive, collaborative research into engine emission technologies related, in the main, to petrol and diesel engines. The programme focuses on reducing emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulates and nitrogen oxides.
Perkins Technology Ltd. of Peterborough acts as central co-ordinator of the administrative and financial arrangements related to the programme. The details of these arrangements are set out in a hub agreement between Perkins Technology Ltd. and the other collaborators. Each project has set objectives and technical targets. My Department expects to pay grant totalling about £773,000 in support of the consortium's work in financial year 1991–92.
The programme is due to end on 31 May 1992. It aims to advance the competitive position of the consortium members by putting them at the forefront of vehicle technologies.