Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 20 May 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 June 1998. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what plans she has to develop straw burning as an alternative form of energy in the United Kingdom. - (Holding answer 1 June 1998).

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to develop straw burning as an alternative form of energy in the United Kingdom. [43551] Mr. Battle: [holding answer 1 June 1998]: A 31 MW straw-powered project at Ely, Cambridgeshire, was contracted under the third non-fossil fuel obligation, NFFO-3, and is now at an advanced stage of development. I shall monitor the progress of this project in order to inform decisions resulting from my review of new and renewable energy policy on the prospects for straw as a fuel, and on the eligibility of this energy source in any future NFFO arrangements.

Secondary information