§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he proposes to signify the Government's response to European Community document No. 6386/83 (Proposals for a council directive on the combatting of air pollution from industrial plants);
(2) if, before agreeing to the proposals in the European Community document No. 6386/83, he will ascertain the cost of reducing sulphur dioxide emissions through the use of scrubbers in United Kingdom power stations of over 400 megawatt capacity and an estimate of the additional price of electricity to consumers which would be involved.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe proposals for a directive on air pollution from industrial sources are still under consideration and no date can yet be given for a probable conclusion. In considering these proposals, the costs as well as the effects of various permutations will be material factors.