§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will be taking to ensure that planning and transport policies are better co-ordinated to minimise damage to the environment and the nation's health.
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 21 February 1994]: I refer the hon. Member to chapter 26 of the Government's "United Kingdom Sustainable Development Strategy", which sets out our overall approach. One key element will be planning policy guidance note 13—PPG13—"Transport". It will provide guidance on integrating and co-ordinating land-use planning and transport procedures. It will also suggest locational policies for local planning authorities to take into account in preparing their development plans. The aim is to meet the social and economic needs for access, with less need for travel and consequential air pollution.
Medical aspects of air pollution are being explored by a number of independent groups that have been set up by the Government. These include the Committee on Medical Aspects of Air Pollution, the Advisory Group on Medical Aspects on Air Pollution Episodes and the expert panel on air quality standards.