§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what limitations are imposed on the amount of sulphur dioxide emitted by oil refineries and oil-burning power stations; and what measures of enforcement are used.
§ Mr. Denis HowellOil refineries and oil-burning power stations are registrable under the Alkali, etc., Works Regulation Act 1906. They are required to use the best practicable means for preventing the emission of noxious or offensive gases and for rendering harmless and inoffensive such gases as are necessarily discharged. The prescribed best practicable means for a particular installation will include a chimney of sufficient height to ensure satisfactory dispersion of the maximum amount of sulphur dioxide likely to be emitted. Oil refineries, in addition, are required to provide plants for the recovery of sulphur from refinery process gases. All registered works are inspected regularly by the Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate, which has power to prosecute in the event of the prescribed best practicable means not being used.