§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are to introduce sulphur-scrubbing equipment in coal-fired power stations in Scotland, in order to alleviate the problem of acid rain.
§ Mr. LangOnly about one third of electricity generated in Scotland is produced by coal-fired power stations. These stations already burn low sulphur coal and contribute only some 2 per cent. to United Kingdom emissions of sulphur dioxide. The deposition of acidity in Scotland is predominantly from sources outside Scotland. Accordingly, there are no plans at present to introduce sulphur-scrubbing equipment in any Scottish coal-fired power station.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what responsibility a privatised electricity industry in Scotland will have to alleviate the problems of acid rain by(a) the liming of land and (b) the introduction of sulphur-scrubbing equipment at coal-fired power stations.
§ Mr. LangThe Government will ensure that the privatised electricity industry will carry out the work
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§ Mr. RifkindThe following information on spending on consultancy fees is readily available.
11984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 £ £ £ £ Management Consultants 47,512 491,864 569,038 198,338 Computer Consultants 124,487 83,493 238,365 386,438 1 The 1984–85 figures relate only to contracts let during the last quarter of the year: comprehensive figures for the full year are not held centrally.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each management or computer consultancy contract extant in the Scottish Development Agency as at 1 January 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.
§ Mr. RifkindThe following management and computer consultancy contracts were extant on 1 January 1987:
necessary to achieve reductions in the emission of pollutants from power stations required under air quality legislation. There are no proposals to introduce the liming of land in the United Kingdom.