HC Deb 17 March 2000 vol 346 cc362-3W
Mr. David Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the development and promotion of liquefied petroleum gas-powered vehicles in rural areas. [113933]

Mr. Alan Johnson

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: The Department's Foresight Vehicle programme provides funding of up to 50 per cent. for the development of innovative technologies for future vehicles. This includes developments of systems for hybrid electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles including LPG. Bi-fuelled LPG vehicles are, however, already available for purchase.

The Department is also jointly responsible with DETR for the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force, which aims to promote the production, marketing, purchasing and use of cleaner vehicles and fuels in all areas, both rural and urban.

A sub group of the Task Force is specifically looking at the role and cost effectiveness of alternatively fuelled vehicles and their fuels. It is drawing up recommendations to help develop the necessary infrastructure needed for these fuels, and will be reporting its conclusions to the Task Force next month.