§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will change the formula for standard spending assessments to encourage local authorities to operate vehicles powered by LPG. [52323]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe are already providing financial assistance to local authorities to purchase vehicles operating on LPG through the Energy Saving Trust's Powershift programme. This refunds up to half of the additional capital cost of vehicles designed to run on alternative fuels such as LPG. Standard Spending Assessments are not a suitable mechanism for dealing with such a specific and detailed matter as this.