HC Deb 02 July 1996 vol 280 cc707-8
4. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the latest levels of atmospheric pollution and the plans he has to reduce it. [33935]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. James Clappison)

Air quality in the United Kingdom is generally good or very good most of the time. We shall shortly be publishing a consultation draft national air quality strategy.

Mr. Griffiths

Would the Minister like to tell us whether he intends to give local authorities additional powers to act against pollution black spots, and whether there are any proposals for a national approach to deal with pollution problems, which are very severe in some cities and cause real damage to the health of adults and children?

Mr. Clappison

As the hon. Gentleman may know, 80 local authorities in 14 different areas—including some in south Wales—are trialling the duties under the Environment Act 1995. Resources have been made available to assist them and we shall look at the implications of that trial period.

The national air quality strategy to which I referred is a comprehensive strategy for dealing with emissions and will lead to major improvements in air quality, in addition to the improvements that we have already made in reducing lead, sulphur and other harmful emissions under our international commitments.

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's interest in this matter. It is a shame that there is not more constructive interest from those on the Labour Front Bench. The only emissions that are apparent from the Labour party are internal emissions, particularly from south Wales.

Mr. Evennett

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is growing concern about air quality in my borough of Bexley? When he publishes his draft document, will he include some proposals to deal with the growing problem of air pollution in the London area?

Mr. Clappison

My hon. Friend makes an important point. Local authorities will have powers: local authority air management areas will be established. My hon. Friend will also be interested in the action that we have taker to deal with summertime smog, and in the recent conference of north-west European countries, hosted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, which discussed that international problem. The conference set the aim of reducing it, and if possible eliminating it, by 2005.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

Does the Minister agree with the report published recently by the Environmental Industries Commission, which states that those industries have lost £2 billion because of the Government's failure to regulate? The problem has been exacerbated by the two-year delay in the control of volatile organic compound emissions. Is this not another example of the Government's producing warm green words and absolutely no action?

Mr. Clappison

The hon. Lady completely misunderstands the VOC issue. As she will know, we have entered into a protocol on VOCs under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and we are well on the way to meeting our international commitments—as we are in regard to other emissions. What we are prepared to be judged on is our success in meeting international obligations. When we set targets and agree to obligations, we meet them, and that results in better air quality.