Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the environmental impact of his Department's policies, in terms of fuel and energy supply industries for which he has responsibility.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe utilisation of all energy resources has an impact on the environment. The energy supply and use in this country is determined largely by customer choice and market forces within the current regulatory framework, including environmental regulations administered by the Department of the Environment.
The law requires that the environmental impacts of proposed major energy projects, like many other large developments, be assessed. With certain limitations, new power stations and pipelines fall within the ambit of the Electricity and Pipe-lines Works (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1989 which my Department administers.