§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the United Kingdom in cultivating ethyl alcohol or oilseed rape for use as fuel; and what support such cultivation obtains from his Department.
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§ Mr. CurryThe processes to produce ethanol from wheat, for use as a petrol substitute, and to produce biodiesel from rape seed are known and proven. Wheat production is supported through the intervention price, while rape seed producers receive area-based payments. From 1993 harvest, both crops will receive area-based support through the new arable crops support scheme whether grown for food or non-food use and will also be eligible for the set-aside payment when grown under contract on set-aside land for industrial use, including fuel production.