To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will review his Department’s policy in respect of electricity generation from coal-fired power stations. (265836)

[holding answer 23 March 2009]: Yes, we have publicly announced we are doing so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change by what dates he expects the consultations on carbon capture readiness and a new framework for coal-fired power stations to conclude; and how long after that he expects to make a decision on the construction of the proposed units at Kingsnorth power station. (269276)

The response to the “Towards Carbon Capture and Storage” consultation which covered carbon capture readiness is due for publication shortly. The timetable for the planned new consultation on a new framework for coal fired power stations has not yet been set.

I am not able to comment on the timing of the announcement of decisions in respect of live planning applications and therefore am unable to be precise about when a decision will be made on the proposed Kingsnorth power station following the conclusion of that consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the tonnage of coal used in electricity generation in the UK in each year since 1997. (266770)

The tonnage of coal used in electricity generation in the UK for 1997 to 2007 is given in the following table. Figures for 2008 will be published on 30 July 2009.