Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is on foregoing the running hour exemptions permitted by the Medium Combustion Plant Directive on the total annualised emissions of the energy sector; and if she will make a statement.

Transposition of the Medium Combustion Plant Directive, including the running hour exemption, will be subject to full public consultation in autumn this year, supported by an impact assessment which will include impact on emissions of targeted pollutants. As part of this process, we will also consult on proposals for controlling emissions from diesel engines to safeguard air quality as announced in March this year.