Life-cycle emissions of greenhouse gases from biodiesel and from bioethanol are at least 55 per cent. Tailpipe emission figures are also much better for the biofuels. Particulates from biodiesel are 20 per cent. On almost all normal tests, biodiesel has an extremely favourable score. A much better signal should be sent to the industries involved that they should make the investment.
Major companies are ready to produce such fuels.
The necessary crops would provide much-needed new business for agriculture, and the whole country would benefit from cleaner air as biofuels were substituted for fossil fuels. It is sensible that the same chain of arguments should apply to biodiesel and bioethanol as applies to road fuel gas. In many cases, those arguments apply more powerfully to biodiesel and bioethanol. In fairness to the Government, it should be acknowledged that the situation has moved on because of the crisis in agriculture. The matter merits a fresh look.