HC Deb 06 June 1995 vol 261 c38W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research he has commissioned into the effects of converting road transport to burn biodiesel from crops; and if he will make a statement; [27091]

(2) what research he has commissioned into the impact on atmospheric pollution of converting road vehicles to burn biodiesel from crops; and if he will make a statement. [27092]

Mr. Norris

In 1993, a bus run on biodiesel by Reading Buses was emissions tested by the Transport Research Laboratory. The conclusion of this work was announced in the answer by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Freeman) to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) on 21 October 1993, Official Report, column 298. Biodiesel is included in the current collaborative programme of trials of a range of alternative fuels announced by my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 21 March 1994, Official Report, column 9.