§ Mr. RoweTo ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has analysed the potential of bio-diesel as a transport fuel in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. EggarThe Department of Trade and Industry has today published through HMSO a review of the potential of bio-diesel as a transport fuel which was prepared by the energy technology support unit. The report assesses the economics of bio-diesel production and concludes that a subsidy of approximately 15p per litre would be required for bio-diesel to be commercially viable in the United Kingdom. It also considers the environmental implications of bio-diesel production and use. The review will inform those contemplating growing oil seed rape, investing in the conversion plant or using bio-diesel as a vehicle fuel. A copy of the report has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.