§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he proposes to take further to reduce the emission of sulphur dioxide from coal-fired power stations, particularly through the use of English coals; and what is the cost of any investment involved.
§ Mr. BennMeasures to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions are also the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. The United Kingdom is currently involved in research programmes to establish what damage might be caused by sulphur emissions and possible options for controlling it. We shall continue to support these and in the meantime there are no immediate plans for steps to reduce emissions from coal-fired power stations.