§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest position with regard to the issues before him relating to National Power plc's proposals to burn orimulsion at Pembroke power station; what decisions under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, or under section 10 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, are still awaited; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmorySouth Pembrokeshire district council, a relevant planning authority, has objected to National Power plc's application under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for my right hon. Friend's consent to fit electrostatic precipitators in order to use orimulsion as the fuel for the Pembroke power station. My right hon. Friend is, therefore, statutorily obliged to call for a public inquiry to be held into the application unless the district council withdraws its objection.
Before arranging the inquiry, my right hon. Friend does, however, need to know the views of all statutory consultees, including the other relevant planning authority, Dyfed county council, in order to determine the matters that are relevant to his consideration of the application. The relevant inquiry procedure rules require him to issue a statement of such matters.
The authorisation of a licence under section 10 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is a matter for Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution.