HC Deb 18 July 2001 vol 372 c214W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring into force fiscal measures to encourage the use of biofuels equivalent to those available for gas fuels. [3757]

Mr. Boateng

Under the Government's Green Fuel Challenge launched in November last year, we will, subject to EU agreement, introduce a new duty rate for biodiesel in Budget 2002, at 20p per litre below the then rate for ultra-low sulphur diesel. Furthermore, we have already legislated to provide for duty reductions or exemptions for pilot projects covering the more environmentally friendly fuels, including biofuels such as bioethanol and biogas. We expect to invite applications for these pilots during the summer and evaluate applications during the autumn.