Making risky decisions about how extensive investment should be is something at which industry excels. Governments of all parties have a bad record in that regard. However, for industry to make such decisions, there must be a reasonable taxation basis. Giving industry an incentive to invest in road fuel gases and not in biofuels is likely to lead to the wrong investment decisions, or discourage investment that could be very beneficial in terms of both industry and agriculture. I agree with the strong points that my right hon.
Friend makes, especially on behalf of farmers across the country.
However, is he aware that the Government could adopt a policy of substituting at least 15 per cent. The French have relaxed taxation on the ethanol component in fuel, and the Government could do the same. In that way, they could encourage what is an important and environmentally friendly industry. Friend makes a good point. No engine adaptation is required, so the change would be easy to make.