HC Deb 01 November 1993 vol 231 cc2-3W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the anti-pollution equipment that is installed at the(a) Ince, Merseyside and,(b) Richborough, Kent power stations.

Mr. Yeo

Both power stations are currently fitted with electrostatic precipitators to reduce emissions of par-ticulate matter to atmosphere. In respect of other emissions, the authorisations recently issued by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution require the operator to provide, by 1 April 1994, an improvement plan using BATNEEC—best available techniques not entailing excessive cost—to bring the stations up to the standards appropriate for new plant.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to rescinding the order to burn orimulsion at the(a) Ince, Merseyside and (b) Richborough, Kent power stations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires the inclusion of conditions in authorisations designed to prevent or minimise pollution of the environment and prohibits HMIP from granting an authorisation unless it is satisfied that an operator will be able to comply with such conditions.

Authorisations allowing the burning of orimulsion at these power stations were issued by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution on 30 July 1993. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no reason to believe that they were not granted in accordance with the requirements of the Act and has no plans therefore to direct that they should be revoked.