§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the targets set by the European Community directive on large combustion plants.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Government have agreed to the European Community directive on large combustion plants. It commits us to reducing sulphur dioxide484W emissions from existing plants by 20 per cent. by 1993, 40 per cent. by 1998 and 60 per cent. by 2003 from their 1980 base line, and emissions of nitrogen oxides by 15 per cent. by 1993 and 30 per cent. by 1998, as well as setting stringent emissions standards for new plants. My Department issued a consultation paper on 31 August 1989 explaining in detail our proposals for implementing the directive. A copy of the paper is in the Library of the House.