§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate has been made of the probable costs to the CEGB, the SSEB and the NSHEB of meeting the EEC directive on the reduction of sulphur emissions from oil-fired power stations.
§ Mr. EadieThis is not an agreed Council directive but a draft proposal from the Commission that is still subject to discussion. At this stage some aspects are difficult to assess. But the implications for the United Kingdom of controls on sulphur emissions are very important. Initial estimates by the CEGB are that the targets proposed for oil-fired stations would involve a capital cost of some £20 million, with some further annual expenditure. Costs to the SSEB and NSHEB are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is asking the chairmen of the two Scottish boards to write to the hon. Member.