National Air Quality Strategy (Hansard, 12 March 1997)

§ Mr. Gummer

Following extensive consultation on proposals for a UK national air quality strategy, and careful consideration of the responses, the Government have decided to press ahead with steps to achieve by 2005 major reductions in the principal air pollutants which threaten health in the UK.

During a three-month consultation period, the Government received around 450 responses, 210 of them from local authorities. Most offered broad support for the general principles and approach proposed by the Government. They recognised the need for a strategic, integrated approach which is health-based and objective-led. While some responses urged even tighter objectives, and others raised concerns about the impact of costs on industry, a clear majority endorsed them and accepted that the target of achievement by 2005 was appropriate.

The strategy sets out standards and objectives for the control and reduction of the eight main health-threatening air pollutants in the UK—nitrogen dioxide, particles, ozone, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, benzene and 1.3 butadiene. The standards are health-based, on recommendations either by a panel of independent medical and scientific experts, or the World Health Organisation. Achievement of the objectives set out in the strategy should minimise the impact for air pollutants on human health in the UK.

The strategy is the first of its kind in Europe. It will offer everyone, even those most sensitive to air pollution, a very high level of protection. The objectives are ambitious and in some cases go beyond what is likely to be achieved by measures currently in place. However, the Government believe that protection of human health should be paramount and it will introduce further measures if necessary to achieve its pollution control objectives.

Air quality in the UK has improved considerably since the 1950s and 1960s. However, advances in scientific knowledge since then have led to a better understanding of the health effects of major air pollutants, and provided new technologies to tackle these. The Government have committed themselves, therefore, through the strategy, to the improvement of localised areas of poor air quality, to 224W the reduction of any remaining significant risks to health, and to ensuring consistently good air quality throughout the country by 2005.

The strategy sets out the contribution key sectors, including industry, transport and local government will need to make towards the achievement of the objectives. It brings together the existing systems for controlling pollution and introduces a new system of local air quality management to complement them, and help clear up pollution "hot-spots". Because of remaining uncertainties over the exact reductions in emissions needed or achievable, for some pollutants, some of the objectives remain provisional. The strategy will be subject to periodic reviews, the first in 1999, to assess progress towards meeting the objectives and ensure their continuing relevance and the cost effective of the proposed measures.

The improvements we seek will not come without cost. We are committed to achieving our objectives through the application of the principles of BATNEEC—best available techniques not entailing excessive cost—and BPEO— best practicable environment option. The costs are likely to fall on industry, business, motorist and consumers alike. The Government will ensure, therefore, that the right balance is struck and that pollution control measures are proportionate and represent the most-effective solutions available.

Some contributions to air pollutants in the UK come from outside our borders and their control necessitates common action with our partners in Europe. The strategy is designed to be consistent with forthcoming EC requirements on air quality—and we will continue to work closely with the EU countries to tackle transboundary air pollutants, especially ground-level ozone.