§ 22. Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received regarding the completion of the flue gas desulphurisation programme of the Central Electricity Generating Board.
§ Mr. WakehamI have received a number of representations on this, mainly as a result of misunderstandings about the requirements of the EC large combustion plants directive.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the date by which flue gas desulphurisation will be in operation at each of the power stations in England and Wales which are of 1,500 MW capacity or more.
§ Mr. BaldryThe EC large combustion plants directive -to which the Government are fully committed-does not require every station to be so fitted. The FGD plant at Drax is expected to come fully on stream by the end of 1996.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what reasons have been given to the member states of the Community with regard to the delay in the provision of desulphurisation equipment at the larger power stations.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Government are committed to achieving the reductions in emissions specified in the EC large combustion plants directive. There has been no delay in planning to meet this commitment. The fitting of flue gas desulphurisation equipment to power stations will play an important part in achieving the emissions reductions required by the directive. Contracts have already been placed for FGD at the 4GW Drax power station and further retrofits are in prospect. Other measures will also contribute.