HC Deb 21 June 1985 vol 81 cc261-2W
Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state the levels of ozone and other photochemical pollutants observed during the summer months in the United Kingdom over the last 10 years for which figures are available, and their effect on plants, materials and human health.

Mr. Macfarlane

Detailed figures for recorded ozone levels are published on behalf of my Department by Harwell laboratory and by the Department of Trade and Industry's Warren Spring laboratory. Concentrations are highly variable and it is thus not possible for me to summarise the figures here. As a broad indication, summer levels in rural Oxfordshire and Suffolk average about 20 to 30 parts per billion, but on occasions have reached levels substantially higher for short periods. Some measurements of peroxyacytyl nitrate are also published by Harwell, but this is not measured on a routine basis*.

There is no evidence that levels of photochemical oxidants normally experienced in the United Kingdom pose a threat to human health or to materials. My Department is sponsoring research aimed at improving our knowledge of both the United Kingdom photoxidant climate and its effect on plants and trees.

* The published data can be identified by the following references:

Harwell Reports: AERE

  • R— 8324
  • R—10885
  • R—11382
  • R—11666

WSL Reports:

  • LR—227
  • LR—404
  • LR—476
  • LR—474
  • LR—519
  • LR—521

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to secure an improvement in the present level of monitoring of air pollution in urban areas; whether he will make a statement on the future of air pollution monitoring at present undertaken by the scientific services branch of the Greater London council; and whether he intends to take steps to continue the monitoring of air quality at the County hall site in central London.

Mr. Macfarlane

The Government's existing programme of air quality monitoring covers those pollutants, such as smoke and sulphur dioxide, which are most significant in urban areas. In addition, we are about to establish monitoring networks for nitrogen dioxide and lead in air—both of which include sites in urban areas. After the abolition of the GLC, the future of air pollution monitoring at present undertaken by the scientific services branch will be a matter for the London boroughs, which already have responsibility for the control of air pollution. It is proposed, however, that the London residuary body should be able to take on staff and facilities on a temporary basis, if the boroughs wish it to do so, while long-term arrangements are being finalised.

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