§ Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what progress has been made in the development and use of new filter technology designed to minimise the effects of acid rain; and if he will increase Government-sponsored research and development during 1984–85.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe two design studies which I announced yesterday in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath (Mr. Townsend) are concerned with technologies having the potential for substantial long-term reductions in acid emissions. Further development of different processes which are already commercially available is of course a matter for the manufacturers and users concerned rather than the Government.
In the field of acid emissions, the Government's priority is work to explore the links between emissions and environmental damage and the cost-effectiveness of possible remedial measures.