§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will estimate the contribution to the United Kingdom economy and the export value of British anti-pollution technology, in particular catalytic converters for cars and gas cleaning equipment for power stations; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will provide estimates of the employment currently produced by, and reliant on, anti-pollution technology in Britain, in particular the production of catalytic converters for cars and gas cleaning equipment for power stations; and if he envisages any growth in this sector.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAnti-pollution equipment provides important opportunities for British industry. Catalytic converters for cars are manufactured for domestic consumption and export. The Government's recent decision to fit flue gas desulphurisation equipment to certain power stations will provide further opportunities. No estimates are yet available of the precise effect on employment or exports.