§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions his Department has had with the Environment Agency regarding emissions from the National Power Drax Power Station; and if he will make a statement. [34242]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Environment Agency has advised my officials that the flue gas desulphurisation ("FGD") equipment at Drax is currently out of action following the discovery of cracks in the FGD fans. As a consequence, National Power has applied to the Environment Agency for variation of its Integrated Pollution Control authorisation to increase the limit on the power station's sulphur dioxide emissions. The Agency is considering the application and has advised my officials that there will be a public consultation upon it, commencing with a public meeting on 19 March.