§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (I) what proposals he has to monitor the consequences for local authorities of the reorganisation of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution;
(2) what plans he has for monitoring the effect on the relationship between Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and local authorities of the reorganisation of the inspectorate.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe recognise the importance of regular links with local authorities. We shall give high priority to maintaining good communications with them as we develop the reorganisation proposals. The effectiveness of the reorganised inspectorate will be kept under close review.
The Government's 1986 consultation document on air pollution control in Great Britain set out new control powers for local authorities dealing with a second tier of scheduled processes. These powers will establish new working relationships between the inspectorate and local authorities. We have set up a local authority unit to monitor the effectiveness of the operation of the proposed controls. The inspectorate of pollution liaison committee will also continue to discuss matters of common interest between local authorities and H MIP and the Environment Departments.