§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the reduction of sulphur dioxide emissions from power stations.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI have been asked to reply.
Control of emissions from power stations is the responsibility of the industrial air pollution inspectorate—formerly the alkali and clean air inspectorate—of the Health and Safety Executive. There is at present no removal of sulphur dioxide from these emissions. The case for requiring the abatement of sulphur dioxide emissions in the future, in accordance with the "best practicable means" principle, is under consideration by the inspectorate.
So far as long-range transboundary pollution due to sulphur dioxide emissions is concerned, the Government's policy is to continue to work for an international solution to the problem.