§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of accessible reserves of low-sulphur coal in(a) England, (b) Wales, and (c) Scotland; and if he will list by name the (i) deep mines and (ii) opencast mines which have access to these reserves.
§ Mr. BaldryEstimates of coal reserves, and their recoverability, are the responsibility of the British Coal Corporation. The Department does not make such estimates.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is, by analysis, the current definition of122W low-sulphur coal of the sort to be burnt as an alternative to the retro-fitting of desulphurisation technology at United Kingdom power stations.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Government are determined to implement in full the EC large combustion plants directive. This directive commits the United Kingdom to reduce its emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from existing plants, such as fossil fuelled power stations, but does not specify the means by which this has to he done. Decisions by the electricity generators to retrofit flue gas desulphurisation equipment to some power stations will play an important part. However, the burning of coal with a lower sulphur content than the average for that mined in the United Kingdom is also likely to contribute towards meeting this directive. The origin and composition of the coal to be used would be a matter for the generators to determine. Greater use of natural gas will also have a role to play.