§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that no further British Government aid will be provided 663W for the Rihand power station project in India, involving British companies, unless flue gas desulphurisation technology is installed.
§ Mrs. ChalkerA thorough appraisal of the project, including its environmental impact, is a condition for the provision of British aid to the second stage of the Rihand power station in India. The appraisal will examine the impact on the Indian environment of the level of sulphur dioxide emissions from the plant and assess the environmental and economic costs and benefits of flue gas desulphurisation. Because of the low sulphur content of Indian coal, the level of sulphur dioxide emissions would be relatively small. In the light of the appraisal, we will ensure adequate environmental safeguards are taken in consultation with the Government of India.