§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in negotiations for a new United Nations agreement combating acid rain.
§ Mr. GummerWhile negotiations in Geneva are not yet complete, substantial progress has been made. It now seems likely that a widely acceptable text aiming at significant reductions of sulphur emissions, and which the United Kingdom expects to sign, will be opened for signature by the middle of 1994. The Government warmly welcome these developments, which will contribute to the progressive resolution of the acid rain problem.
363WThe United Kingdom is prepared to reduce sulphur emissions by 70 per cent. by 2005 compared with 1980, and has indicated its willingness in principle to aim for reductions of 80 per cent. by 2010. The latest text, if agreed, will allow parties to achieve the targets in the most cost-effective and flexible way, taking account of national considerations.
The new protocol will build on the United Kingdom's achievements in reducing sulphur emissions by 30 per cent. by the end of this year from 1980 levels, thus complying with the requirements of the first sulphur protocol although we were not in a position to sign it at the time.