Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2002. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Monday, 1 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will estimate the amount of carbon saved in each of the last five years by the use of biomass crops grown in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the amount of carbon saved in each of the last five years by the use of biomass crops grown in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement. [64127] Margaret Beckett: One hectare of biomass crops yielding the equivalent of eight tonnes per annum has the potential to save about two tonnes of carbon each year. Achieving these carbon savings depends on functioning end markets for the utilisation of biomass crops. Most plantings of purpose grown energy crops have, to date, been to provide fuel for the Arbre biomass power station near Selby which expects to begin full operation later this year. In April the Government launched the Bioenergy Capital Grant Scheme which will develop markets for biomass, including purpose grown energy crops and material from forests, in heat, combined heat and power and electricity generation. Further funding will be available from a Community and Household Capital Grant Scheme which will be launched later this year. Officials are also working closely with the Local Support Teams set up by the Countryside Agency, through the Community Renewables Initiative, to develop markets for renewables.

Secondary information