§ 26. Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to increase resources available to local authorities to measure air quality. [20963]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Government have provided £2 million in 1996–97 to help local authorities develop guidance in advance of their new duties to review and assess air quality next year. In addition, the Government aim to integrate around 35 local authority air quality532W monitoring stations into the national network by providing support for quality assurance and control by the end of 1996.
§ 27. Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to improve the quality of air in cities and towns. [20964]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Environment Act 1995 set up the legislative framework for a national air quality strategy and for action by local authorities to assess and manage air quality. The strategy, which will be published for full public consultation during the summer, will set out air quality standards and objectives, and will outline the measures which will be taken at international, national and local level in order to meet those objectives.