§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in both Edinburgh and Glasgow city centres.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 16 July 1990]: The levels of nitrogen dioxide in city centres are almost entirely due to emissions from motor vehicles, the reduction of which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. Plans for the reduction of emissions are contained in the written answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 8 June 1990 at column 722.
§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the levels of nitrogen dioxide in Edinburgh and Glasgow city centres; what are the relevant European Community air quality standards; and what recent representations he has received on this.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 16 July 1990]: On the basis of the results obtained from a nationwide survey of ambient nitrogen dioxide concentrations in 363 urban areas in the United Kingdom, one continuous monitoring station, operating in accordance with the requirements of the Council directive of 7 March 1985, was established in Glasgow. The results obtained have been satisfactory and are below the directive limit value.
The relevant limit and guide values in the Council directive of 7 March 1985 on air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide are for the 98th percentile calculated from the mean values per hour or per period of less than an hour recorded throughout the year:
Limit Value 200 micrograms per cubic metre Guide Value 135 micrograms per cubic metre. No representations have been received.