§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures the Government are taking to encourage the reduction of sulphurous and nitrous oxide emissions from oil refineries, manufacturing plants and coking plants.
§ Mr. TrippierMy Department issued a consultation paper on 31 August 1989 explaining in detail our proposals for implementing the EC Large Combustion Plants Directive, which applies to plants that are equal to or greater than 50MW thermal. Such plants are responsible for 85 per cent. of United Kingdom emissions of sulphur dioxide and about 40 per cent. of oxides of nitrogen. A copy of the paper is in the Library of the House.
The Environmental Protection Bill now before the House includes proposals to develop the current control regime operated by HMIP into a system of integrated pollution control. This will require major emitters to use best available techniques not entailing excessive cost (BATNEEC) to minimise releases of all pollutants, including sulphurous and nitrous oxides.