HL Deb 20 March 1973 vol 340 cc719-20WA
LORD O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government how much sulphur is allowed in fuel oil; how much is allowed in other Member countries of the European Economic Community; and whether the United Kingdom, unilaterally or with the European Economic Community, plans to reduce the amount of sulphur permitted.

LORD SANDFORD

Our position is similar to other E.E.C. countries' where restrictions on sulphur content are limited to fuels used in a small number of congested urban centres. Experimental limitations have been imposed by the City of London (Various Powers) (No. 2) Act 1971 to restrict the amount of sulphur permissible in oil fuel to 1 per cent. for new installations in the City. Existing installations will have to comply' by 1987.

The Commission of the European Economic Community is expected in the near future to put forward wider proposals relating to the sulphur content of oil fuel used for domestic purposes. The United Kingdom will examine these in conjunction with the other Members of the Community.