§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call for a report from the Environment agency on the proposed use of petroleum coke in the Drax power station and the possible effects of emissions of varidium and nickel on the health of the local population in(a) Hull and the East Riding and (b) Scandinavia. [14882]
§ Mr. ClappisonNo. it is for the Environment Agency to decide these matters. It would be inappropriate for a Minister to intervene in the way proposed, since any decision the agency might make could subsequently come before the Secretary of State on appeal.