§ Mr. Allan RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures the Government intend to introduce to meet their stated aim of reducing sulphur dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom to 3.27 million tonnes by 1990; and what are the implications for this aim of his forecast that emissions in 2000 may be 3.5 million tonnes.
§ Mr. MoynihanWe have authorised the CEGB to retrofit 6000 MW of coal-fired generating capacity with flue gas desulphurisation equipment, and have announced that all new coal-fired power stations will have the technology to control sulphur emissions.
The forecast range of emissions in the year 2000 range from 2.6 million tonnes to 3.5 million tonnes. This range of estimates reflects the considerable uncertainty about future emission levels which are dependent on factors such as economic growth and energy demand.
We continue to expect to meet our stated aim of policy. The action outlined above will help to ensure that we do so.