Written question asked by Elfyn Llwyd (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 23 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 1999. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what initiatives he is pursuing to help concrete manufacturers search for alternative fuels.

Answer: Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he is pursuing to help concrete manufacturers search for alternative fuels. [100035] Mr. Mullin: The Government recognise that using high calorific value wastes to replace conventional fuels in industrial processes can deliver benefits, where it is the best practicable environmental option for the waste stream. The use of alternative fuels must also meet stringent environmental controls under Integrated Pollution Control. The use of alternative fuels on cement kilns must represent the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost. Trials of alternative fuels are regulated by the Agency under the Substitute Fuels Protocol, which sets out detailed requirements for emissions monitoring and public consultation. If trials are successful, the Environment Agency issues authorisations which set stringent emissions limits on emissions to all environmental media, so as to protect human health and the environment.

Secondary information