HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc592-3W
Mrs. Brinton

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures the Government will take to ensure that the new electricity trading arrangements do not penalise combined heat and power and renewable generators. [5773]

Mr. Wilson

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson) on 18 July 2001,Official Report, columns 263–64W.

Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many CHP plants that have been given section 30 consent in the last two years are now under construction; and what installed capacity these represent. [5183]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 19 July 2001]: This information is not readily available at present. Developers generally have five years in which to commence development. It is a commercial decision for them when to do so.

Mrs. Brinton

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many CHP plants that have been given section 10 consent in the last two years are under construction; and what installed capacity these represent. [5774]

Mr. Wilson

This information is not readily available at present. Developers generally have five years in which to commence development. It is a commercial decision for them when to do so.

Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she proposes to take to ensure that the new market arrangements in the electricity industry do not(a) act to increase carbon emissions and (b) deter new investment in CHP and renewables. [5290]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 19 July 2001]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) on 16 July 2001, Official Report, column 40W.

Linda Gilroy

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will announce her decision on the proposal for combined heat and power schemes at the British Salt works at Middlewich, the Sudbrook Paper Mill Caldicot and the iXguardian site at Hounslow. [6463]

Mr. Wilson

Today, I have given clearance under section 14(1) of the Energy Act 1976 to three combined heat and power schemes at the British Salt works at Middlewich, the St. Regis Paper Company, Sudbrook Paper Mill at Caldicot and the iXguardian site at Hounslow.

Combined heat and power plants are designed to produce both electricity and usable heat in a single process. Therefore they have environmental benefits due to their high levels of energy efficiency and also help business reduce their costs and stay competitive.

The decision demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to promote CHP and reduce carbon emissions.

Copies of the Press Notice and the decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.