§ Mr. McLoughlinasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the consultative document on the control of atmospheric pollution.
§ Mr. RidleyWe propose new powers to set air quality standards and emission limits. We also propose to extend to local authoritis powers to control what is emitted by potential pollution sources in advance. They do not have such powers now.
This will be done in conjunction with a system of consents for safe emissions to which there would be full public access. There would be national guidelines to ensure consistency between different parts of the country. The proposals base themselves on the United Kingdom's "best practicable means" approach to the control of industrial emissions.
Taken with the Government's decision to form Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution, these proposals constitute a major rationalisation and updating of British air pollution control practice.
The paper is being sent to local authority and industrial trade associations environmental organisations and others with an interest. Comments have been asked for by 31 March 1987. Copies of the paper have been placed in the Library.