HC Deb 07 May 2002 vol 385 cc28-9W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to support the development of a hydrogen infrastructure for fuel-cell powered vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [54266]

Mr. Jamieson

The draft of the Government's "Powering Future Vehicles" strategy for encouraging the shift to low-carbon vehicles and fuels highlighted the Government's role of supporting the development of new fuel infrastructures. Hydrogen is likely to be a key component in this shift to low-carbon transport.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget announced that the Government intended to exempt hydrogen from fuel duty for a period to encourage it's development and early take-up. He also announced his intention to provide enhanced capital allowances for hydrogen infrastructure. The Government are also providing fiscal support for the pilot trials of fuel-cell buses to be carried out next year by Transport for London, which will include a hydrogen refuelling facility.