§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure maintenance of standards after the change to a system of self regulation of air pollution in the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have no plans to change to a system of self-regulation of air pollution in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure conformity to EEC guidelines on air pollution, within the proposed restructuring of the air inspectorate.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyRegulations have been laid which come into force on 31 March and will give formal effect to the air quality standards set in three EC directives.
The present restructuring proposals for Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution will have no adverse effect upon the ability of the United Kingdom to conform with these or any other EC requirements concerning air pollution.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether any agreement has been reached within Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to guarantee employment conditions during restructuring of the air pollution inspectorate;
(2) if he will give a breakdown of the geographical and industrial remits proposed for Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution air inspectorate.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyProposals are being developed for the reorganisation of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in order to integrate its responsibilities for air pollution control, radioactive substances, water pollution and other wastes on a regionalised basis related to industry groupings. Three regions are proposed to cover the north, south west and south east and it is proposed to retain the existing air district offices as outstations. Consultations are continuing with staff representatives on the management implications of the proposals.