HC Deb 01 March 1978 vol 945 cc263-4W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether sulphur dioxide is injurious to stone structures and vegetation; and what is his estimate of annual damage for any year for which figures are available.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have been asked to reply.

In sufficiently high concentrations, sulphur dioxide does have adverse effects on stone structures and vegetation. Information on the annual damage for any one year is not available.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the limits established within the European Community for sulphur dioxide emissions and their phased implementation.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have been asked to reply.

There are no Community emission standards for sulphur dioxide. However, a directive limiting the sulphur content of gas oil was adopted on 24th November 1975. In the United Kingdom this has had the effect of limiting the sulphur content of gas oil used in most diesel-engined road vehicles to not more than 0.5 per cent. by weight and of gas oil used in furnaces, stationary engines, agricultural vehicles, engineering plant and works vehicles to not more than 0.8 per cent. by weight. These limits will be further reduced to 0.3 per cent. and 0.5 per cent. respectively by 1st October 1980.

In addition, discussions are taking place on two proposals for directives: one to establish health protection standards for concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide; the other to require the use of low sulphur fuel oil in certain zones. It is not yet possible to say whether these propoposals will be implemented.

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