HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc402-3W
Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce legislation to amend the Clean Air Act 1956 in order to control smoke emissions from motor vehicles.

Mr. Denis Howell

Smoke emissions from motor vehicles are already subject to control under the Road Traffic Acts, which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. He is satisfied that the powers available to him are adequate and there are no plans to amend them. The smoke emission standards prescribed in regulations made under these powers are kept under review. The regulations adhere to the standards agreed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average level of dark smoke in London from motor vehicles.

Mr. Denis Howell

The National Survey of Air Pollution does not provide specific measurements of smoke from motor vehicles in London. However, the impact of the Clean Air Acts, particularly the wide spread of domestic smoke control, means that motor vehicle smoke must make a significant contribution to the small remaining amounts of smoke.

The average annual value for smoke measured at sites in London in 1975–76 is 34 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the level of dark smoke from motor vehicles during pollution incidents in London.

Mr. Denis Howell

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to the previous Question as regards specific measurements of smoke from motor vehicles. Figures are available for general measurements of levels of smoke in London during high pollution incidents. On a few days before Christmas 1975 London experienced the highest levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide for 11 years. During the peak two days of this period the average level of smoke measured in Greater London was 292 microgrammes per cubic metre. This incident has not resulted in any measurable effect on health. The levels of smoke reached during it are far greater than the annual average concentration of smoke measured in London in 1975–76, which was 34 microgrammes per cubic metre.