HC Deb 20 July 2001 vol 372 cc512-3W
Mrs. Brinton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential of liquid biofuels to(a) improve local air quality, (b) save energy and (c) cut greenhouse gases. [5386]

Mr. Jamieson

As assessment of the environmental benefits of several potential liquid biofuels in the road transport sector was made by DETR for the Government's Green Fuel Challenge. A summary of this assessment is in the House of Commons Library and on the internet at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/index.htm.

Mrs. Brinton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to allocate financial assistance to the development of liquid biofuels. [5325]

Mr. Jamieson

The Government are supporting the development of liquid biofuels through fiscal measures: in response to the Green Fuel Challenge, the Chancellor announced in the 2001 Budget the introduction of 20p/1 duty cut for biodiesel, relative to ultra low sulphur diesel, from Budget 2002. Limited duty reductions or exemptions for viable pilot projects supporting research and development into other potential liquid biofuels, such as bioethanol and biogas, will be also granted.

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