§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken within the last three years aimed at (a) encouraging industrialists to introduce environmentally sound technology on to existing production lines, (b) substitute more environmentally sound products in the place of ones found to be harmful and (c) ensure that new plant incorporates the best available technology to reduce the amount and toxicity of both the waste produced and the end product.
§ Mr. WaldegraveOver the past three years the Government have supported the Pollution Abatement Technology Award Scheme. We are supporting the United Kingdom international pollution abatement fair and conference next year, and are grant-aiding production of a directory of products, services and ideas emerging from the environmental industry. The development of pollution abatement technology attracts grant aid from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under the support for innovation scheme.
We have also co-operated with industry to develop environmentally-friendly products. Measures include the introduction of unleaded petrol, the progressive elimination of lead from decorative paint and a reduction in the organotin content of anti-fouling paint for boats.
The pollution inspectorates continue to require a high standard of pollution abatement in new plant; and we recently announced that all new coal-fired power stations must be fitted with acid-free technology to standards set by the Industrial Air Pollution Inspectorate.