§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is towards the recovery of grants paid to ARBRE Energy in respect of the Eggborough power station. [76844]
§ Margaret BeckettUnder the Energy Crops Scheme, grants to plant crops are payable to growers. In the case of crops to provide fuel for the ARBRE power station, the Department was asked by the growers to make the payments to ARBRE Energy. The scheme requires that crops are used to produce energy, and the Department would be required to consider recovering grant from growers where crops are used for other purposes. It is too early to consider this as discussions on the future of ARBRE are continuing. In addition, if it does become necessary, the Department will work closely with growers to access the alternative energy markets which are being developed.