Import Of Orimulsion

EDM number 710 in 1992-93, proposed by Simon Hughes on 02/11/1992.

That this House is aware that the bitumen-based fuel orimulsion contains on average more sulphur that British coal; is alarmed at other by-products of burning orimulsion, particularly nickel sulphate which is carcinogenic; notes that the electricity generating companies have conducted trials of orimulsion at Grain, Richborough and Ince B, producing 150 complaints from local people about emissions in the latter case; is concerned that National Power and PowerGen have already signed contracts to import 5.5 million tonnes of orimulsion a year; is worried by the prediction of Selby District Council that orimulsion could displace 15 million tonnes of British coal; believes that if the President of the Board of Trade is to conduct a full, fair energy review he must include all aspects of the case concerning orimulsion, including its environmental health effects; and calls for the banning of the import of orimulsion unless and until the carcinogenic by-products of the burning of that fuel can be controlled.

This motion has been signed by a total of 54 MPs, 2 of these signatures have been withdrawn.