§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will detail all his Department's policies and proposals regarding(a) acid rain and (b) pollution by nuclear waste; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Government will ensure that the CEGB and its successor companies contribute to the emission reduction requirements of the European Communities' large combustion plant directive. These are to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide by 60 per cent. on 1980 levels by 2003 and nitrogen oxides by 30 per cent. on 1980 levels by 1998. We shall encourage the development and application of renewable energy sources wherever they have prospects of being economically competitive and environmentally acceptable. Furthermore, the non-fossil fuel obligation which will be placed on the public electricity suppliers in the privatised electricity industry and the continuing work of the energy efficiency office will help to reduce acid rain.
Policy on radioactive waste is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.