Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Industry of the £50 million granted in the budget for conversion of factories from oil to coal burning, how many applications have been received and accepted; and what steps he is taking to receive a more satisfactory response.

Mr. MacGregor: A total of 47 applications for grant have been made under the coal fired boiler scheme. Twenty offers have so far been made for grant totalling over £750,000. The scope and coverage of the scheme will be reviewed in the next few weeks.