§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances his Department is required to grant permission before sulphur can be added to coal used in coal-fired power stations.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 9 February 1993]There is no record of sulphur being added to coal used in power stations. However, in appropriate circumstances, traces of sulphur trioxide may be added to the flue gases to provide a very great improvement in the removal of particulate matter in an electrostatic precipitator. The sulphur trioxide has little environmental significance in the quantities used. Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution would require notification before the use of sulphur trioxide began at a power station.