Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research she is supporting into less polluting fuels. [410]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have been asked to reply.
The Government support a wide range of research into cleaner fuels.
The Department of Trade and Industry spent £11.3 million last year and has a budget of £18 million for this financial year for its programme to support research 154W and development of new and renewable energy. This includes work on stationary and transport applications of fuel cells including consideration of the fuelling issues.
Following the results of the Green Fuel Challenge announced in Budget 2001, the Government will shortly invite bids for duty exemptions or reductions for pilot projects for fuels including hydrogen, bio-ethanol, methanol and biogas.
The Government are fully engaged in international developments in this area, and actively involved in research sponsored by international organisations, such as the European Commission and the International Energy Agency.