§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to reduce air pollution. [15141]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe Government have put in place a number of mechanisms to control pollution which apply throughout the UK. The Environment Act 1990 introduced two systems for controlling polluting emissions from industry: integrated pollution control, which limits emissions to all environmental media from large installations; and local air pollution control, covering emissions to air from small and medium sized plant.
The draft UK national air quality strategy, issued in August 1996, sets out the Government's proposals for air quality policy and includes standards and objectives for all the main air pollutants. The Strategy builds on the requirements of the Environment Act 1995 which includes a new system of local air quality management. Under the Act, local authorities will be required to review and assess air quality in their areas. We are preparing guidance for local authorities to assist them with their new air quality management duties.