HC Deb 11 March 1997 vol 292 cc134-5W
Ms Walley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what initiatives exist to promote investment and development in clean technologies in United Kingdom businesses; and if he will make a statement. [19328]

Mr. Page

The joint Department of Trade and Industry and Department of the Environment environmental technology best practice programme—ETBPP—has as one of its main aims the encouragement of the take-up and development by business of cost-effective cleaner technology. Support for collaborative research and development with European partners under EUREKA, LINK—particularly the waste minimisation through recycling, reuse and recovery in industry programme—and the Office of Science and Technology's funding of research councils, are also relevant. In addition, proposals to help business enhance environmental performance and competitiveness were among those eligible to bid for support under the sector and local challenges.