HC Deb 06 July 1994 vol 246 cc243-4W
Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies his Department has undertaken in the last three years to assess the damage to buildings by vehicle exhaust fumes.

Mr. Atkins

My Department is currently reviewing and assessing what future research on the effects of air pollution on materials is required. Following the recommendations of a consultancy undertaken by the University of East Anglia for the Department, a workshop is being held later this month in London with leading United Kingdom researchers in the field. It is envisaged that priority areas for future research on materials will be identified in this workshop.

Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to undertake further studies to assess the damage to buildings by vehicle exhaust fumes.

Mr. Atkins

My Department has funded research at the Building Research Establishment, Middlesex university, Queens university Belfast and University of Manchester institute of science and technology. Such research has, for example, examined the soiling of materials and the erosion effects from NOx, nitrates and SO2 on materials. A consultancy was also undertaken by the University of East Anglia which reviewed current United Kingdom research into the effects of air pollution on materials.