asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied that with the installation of the proper equipment a coal-burning electricity generating station need not cause any pollution of the environment.

In so far as environmental control is concerned, the main considerations in this country to date in the provision of coal-burning electricity generating stations have been to minimise atmospheric pollution caused by such stations through the installation of suitable equipment to remove grit and dust from air emissions and the provision of high stacks to disperse emissions of sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides. The further reduction of emissions would be dependent on the degree of sophistication of the control systems and the maintenance of those systems.

I am fully aware of growing international concern about emissions from power plant which can result in the precipitation of nitric and sulphuric acids, and give rise to long range transboundary air pollution. This had led to the adoption, on 1 March 1984, of an EEC directive which requires new procedures for the control of emissions from plant which could cause significant air pollution.

The directive will require an authorisation system under which new plant must use the best available technology, which does not involve excessive costs, for preventing or reducing emissions. In addition, existing plant must be brought within the controls on a phased basis. A further draft directive on the limitation of emissions of pollutants into the air from large combustion plant has also been proposed at EEC level.

This country's policy in regard to control of air emissions will continue to be developed in tandem with the development of EEC policy in this area. In addition, preliminary work on the preparation of comprehensive new air pollution legislation has been carried out in my Department and this will be brought to completion as soon as possible.