HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 c943W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's budget is for 2000 to 2004 for(a) improvements in air quality and (b) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. [133478]

Mr. Hill

This year's budget for climate change research (as shown in DETR' s Annual report 2000, Cm 4604) is £11.6 million; for air and environmental quality research the budget is £8.5 million; for specific support to local authorities' air quality expenditure the budget is £2.6 million. Additional relevant DETR expenditure is accounted for under Departmental Running Costs, International Subscriptions, and other spending lines. Figures from Spending Review 2000 have not yet been disaggregated sufficiently to identify comparable sums for subsequent years.

However, the DETR PSA target for achieving the Government's climate change objectives will be met by implementing a range of policies and measures covering many sectors of the economy. Some European measures are included in our draft Climate Change Programme, and action by local authorities will also be crucial. Funds spent in other areas of DETR, for example, programmes to promote better energy efficiency, CHP and integrated transport will also help to deliver reductions in greenhouse gases.

The DETR PSA target for improving air quality will be met largely through a range of European and national policy measures which are being taken to reduce pollution from industry and vehicles. For local pollution hot-spots, local authorities will be drawing up action plans to reduce local pollution levels through the local air quality management arrangements.

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