Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the departmental scheme, announced on 13 September, for special environmental protection research and implementation to mitigate pollution of the North sea and rivers.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe environmental protection technology scheme aims to encourage technical innovation where this will enable higher environmental standards to be set. The scheme offers support for approved projects up to the stage where the concept is proved. Grant is available at up to 25 per cent. of costs for projects proposed by single companies and up to 50 per cent. for collaborative projects. The first set of priority areas for the scheme were announced in June, when proposals were invited which 395W would reduce emissions from municipal incinerators and tackle odour problems. More than 30 applications are being considered.
On 13 September, I announced that the second set of priority areas would be the reduction of discharges of heavy metals and organic compounds in industrial effluents.
This announcement was closely linked to actions agreed following last year's ministerial declaration at the international conference on the protection of the North sea, to reduce the amounts of the most dangerous substances entering rivers and estuaries. The Government have already published consultation proposals for stringent controls on a "Red List" of these substances.