§ Mr. TippingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how much funding has been given to research into clean coal technology in the United Kingdom for each year since 1985; and what corresponding information he has for Japan and the United States.
§ Mr. EggarThe comparative coal research expenditure figures available for the United Kingdom, Japan and the USA since 1985 cover the period 1985 to 1990 and are as detailed. Specific figures for clean coal technology research are not known, but most of the expenditure detailed is believed to be focused on the development of clean coal technology for power generation.
for demonstrating exceptional national benefit in five years. In these circumstances we did not hold consultations with organisations representing United Kingdom business on our decision to suspend the assistance for exceptional projects facility. The AEP facility required approval from the European Commission. We did not consult any Commission officials about the suspension I have announced.