To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the remainder of the process guidance notes for the fuel and power industry processes prescribed under part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 will be available; and if he will make a statement.
I am pleased to report that we have issued the chief inspector's guidance to inspectors for 16 processes in the fuel and power industry. These notes have been drawn up following completion of research reviews; and relevant industries and other bodies have been given the opportunity to put forward their comments. The notes will provide a sound framework within which inspectors can assess applications for the authorisation of new processes and existing processes. They represent a further stage in the introduction of integrated pollution control.
A set of the notes has been placed in the Library of the House.
The preparation of guidance notes for the remaining processes to come under control is well advanced. Further notes will be published in the next few months.