Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 13 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 2003. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Thursday, 20 March 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on the (a) number and (b) locations of biofuel filling stations in the UK; and what efforts are being made to increase the number of filling stations where biofuels are sold. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the (a) number and (b) locations of biofuel filling stations in the UK; and what efforts are being made to increase the number of filling stations where biofuels are sold. [103550] Mr. Jamieson: The Government estimate that there are currently approximately 100 filling stations retailing biodiesel in the UK, with the distribution of outlets largely skewed towards the north of the country. The number and regional availability of these sites is expected to continue to increase as the market develops further, driven by the 20 pence per litre duty incentive, introduced in July 2002, and positive customer reaction to the fuel. Biofuels are one of the many ways in which companies and individuals can reduce the impact on the environment of their transport decisions. In order to give consumers better access to information on biofuels, the Government have commissioned the Energy Saving Trust to develop its TransportEnergy website (www.TransportEnergy.co.uk) to include helpful advice on biofuels, including the location of UK retailing sites. This information should be on-line shortly.

Secondary information