HC Deb 29 November 1990 vol 181 cc458-9W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations control the emission of diesel smoke from equipment used on building and construction sites; which agency is responsible for enforcement; and what action has been taken to control such emissions.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Part III of the Public Health Act 1936, to be replaced on 1 January 1991 by the strengthened and improved provisions in part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, applies to emissions which could be prejudicial to the health of or a nuisance to people in the vicinity of such equipment. Section 1 of the Clean Air Act 1968 applies to dark smoke emissions from building or construction sites. Local authorities are responsible for taking action under both measures as the need arises. The Health and Safety at Work Act., etc. 1974 and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations apply to emissions which may be hazardous to the health of workers on building or construction sites: the Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcement.