§ 25. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement as to the contribution of nuclear power to environmental protection.
§ Mr. WakehamThe main contribution of nuclear power to environmental protection is its role in curbing acid rain and combating global warming. Nuclear power stations emit practically no sulphur dioxides or nitrous oxides, which are the principal constituents of acid rain, or carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas. If the electricity currently provided by nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom was generated by coal, our total carbon emissions would increase by 15 million tonnes per year, an increase of 10 per cent. over present levels.
The 1994 review of nuclear power will include consideration of its environmental impact.