Written questions by Evans.

What assessment he has made of the feasibility of introducing solar canopies in public car parks.

Solar canopies on outdoor carparks provide clean electricity, the potential for electric vehicle charging and shelter for cars. A comprehensive assessment of the carbon savings, deployment feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of different intervention options, including mandates and incentives, in both the public and private sector, requires input from stakeholders, including local authorities and commercial owners. The Secretary of State published a call for evidence earlier this year to assess the potential to drive the construction of solar canopies on outdoor car parks. A government response will be published this year.

What progress he has made on considering the transfer the investment reserve to the members of the British Coal Superannuation Scheme.

The then Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones) met the BCSSS Trustees on 22 April, 11 June and 22 July and confirmed the Government’s commitment to considering their proposals regarding the reserve and the future of the scheme. DESNZ will now engage HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members. The Government is aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.

What steps he is taking to ensure that decision making about the return of the BCSSS investment reserve can be made as swiftly as possible.

I met the BCSSS Trustees on 22 April, 11 June and 22 July and confirmed the Government’s commitment to considering their proposals regarding the reserve and the future of the scheme. DESNZ will now engage HM Treasury with a view to agreeing a way forward on the transfer of the reserve to members. I am aiming to reach agreement on an outcome that can be implemented later this year which will benefit scheme members.

What discussions he is having with retailers on fuel prices for drivers, the context of progress on (a) implementing Fuel Finder and (b) the Competition and Markets Authority's monitoring of that market.

The Government aims to implement Fuel Finder by the end of 2025, subject to passage of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which will provide the legislative basis to set up the scheme. Fuel Finder will increase price transparency and drive down prices by encouraging greater retailer competition. Following an in-depth procurement process, we have appointed VE3 Global as the aggregator of Fuel Finder. Appointing the aggregator is an important milestone to launching by the end of 2025, and we will work closely with VE3 as it engages with retailers throughout Fuel Finder’s development. The CMA continues to monitor and scrutinise fuel prices using the statutory information gathering powers it received on 1 January 2025 through the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act 2024.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his officials on the potential merits of transferring the British Coal Superannuation Scheme to its members.

I have asked my officials to consider the impacts of proposals put forward by the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Trustees.

What recent assessment he has made of trends in petrol and diesel prices.

UK government statistics show average retail prices of petrol and diesel were approximately 134 and 138 pence per litre respectively on 7th October. These are 58 and 61 pence per litre lower than the all-time peak of 4th July 2022.