§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consultation he has had with local authority associations as to the capacity of their members to carry out the necessary assessments of air quality to comply with part IV of the Environment Act 1995; [10772]
(2) by what date he expects local authorities to complete assessments of air quality in their areas to comply with the air quality provisions in part IV of the Environment Act 1995. [10773]
§ Mr. ClappisonMy Department, together with the Scottish Office and Welsh Office, established a working group last November, with representatives of the local authority associations, to advise on implementation and operation of the local air quality duties under the Environment Act 1995. The working group is considering the timing of reviews and assessments and developing the necessary guidance for local authorities, before the commencement of the relevant sections of the Act.