HC Deb 24 May 1990 vol 173 cc278-9W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what estimates he has made of the impact of the cancellations of plans to instal flue gas emission cleaning equipment in British power stations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

The electricity generators' present declared intention is to fit flue gas desulphurisation equipment to 8 GW of generating plant. In the longer term, the challenge for British Coal is to make its coal sufficiently attractive to the generators so that they would choose to retrofit further power stations with FGD equipment.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration he gave to the effect on the balance of payments when he permitted the target of 12,000 MW to be fitted with flue gas desulphurisation equipment to be reduced to 8,000 MW.

Mr. Wakeham

It is for the electricity generators to decide how best they can achieve the reduction in emissions of sulphur dioxide called for in the EC large combustion plants directive. The Government, while determined to ensure compliance with the reductions set out in the directive, do not seek to control imports of oil or coal.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from British Boilermakers about the amount of generating plant to be fitted with flue gas desulphurisation equipment.

Mr. Wakeham

I have received a number of representations from the United Kingdom power plant construction industry concerning various issues, including the fitting of flue gas desulphurisation equipment.