HC Deb 21 April 1988 vol 131 cc553-4W
Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has on the dangers that can be caused by the discharge of an excessive level of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere over Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 20 April 1988]: Monitoring of the levels of sulphur dioxide at various sites in Northern Ireland over many years has shown that these are within the international health criteria published by the World Health Organisation and the European Community.

Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has on the dangers that can he caused by the discharge of an excessive level of heavy metals into the atmosphere over Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 20 April 1988]: A survey carried out in the late 1970s by the Warren Spring laboratory of the Department of Trade and Industry showed that the levels of heavy metals sampled in the atmosphere in Northern Ireland were within the relevant criteria published for the protection of health. The nature of the Northern Ireland Industrial base means that levels of heavy metals discharged into the atmosphere are not a cause for concern.

Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment is made by his Department of the level of heavy metals discharged into the atmosphere over Northern Ireland annually from the burning of fossil fuels by electricity generating stations in England and Wales; what are the levels for the remaining discharge of heavy metals; and what is treated as a safe level.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 20 April 1988]: None. Monitoring of the effects of such discharges from the specific sources mentioned is neither practical nor necessary in view of the pattern of prevailing winds. As indicated in my reply to an earlier question from the hon. Member, the levels of certain heavy metals in the atmosphere in Northern Ireland are not a cause for concern.

Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measurements are made by his Department to assess the emissions of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

[holding answer 20 April 1988]: Continuous monitoring to assess the levels of sulphur dioxide and particulates in the atmosphere in Northern Ireland is undertaken by district councils and Northern Ireland Electricity. The results are published annually by the Warren Spring laboratory of the Department of Trade and Industry.