§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his best estimate of the cost to the private sector of meeting the anticipated new controls on emissions.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe proposed new controls over industrial air pollution will continue to be based on the principle that operators must use best practicable 201W means to prevent emissions of harmful and offensive substances and to minimise the effects of any that cannot be prevented. Financial considerations are a factor in determining the best practicable means.
The Department produced a preliminary compliance cost assessment in November 1986, which rated the costs to industry of the proposed new controls as "tolerable".
§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to permit a transitional period when the anticipated controls on emissions come into force to allow for the replacement of existing installations that do not conform to the higher standard.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe propose that plants undergoing substantial alteration would be required to meet the new standards immediately. Other existing plant would be allowed a transitional period during which they would be expected to be upgraded or replaced, as appropriate.