§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what steps he is taking to take account of the views of environmental groups in respect of emissions from chipboard factories; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make it his policy to set an emission limit of just particles from timber dryers at 25 mg per cubic metre in respect of chipboard factories; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryChipboard factories will come under the new and more rigorous controls provided by426W part I of the Environmental Protection Bill. Operators of chipboard factories will be required to use the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost (BATNEEC) to minimise emissions and their potential for harming the environment.
Guidance will be issued on appropriate air pollution controls for these processes and it is intended that this will contain a limit for emissions of particulate matter which is achievable using BATNEEC. Bodies representing relevant interests, including environmental ones, will be given the opportunity to comment on the draft guidance before it is issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.