§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of whether there is a connection between respiratory diseases and vehicle emissions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsMy Department takes advice from the Department of Health on the effects of pollutants on human health. The Government take very seriously evidence that high levels of some traffic-related pollutants can have adverse effects on those suffering from respiratory disorders. On 3 October 1994 my Department, the Department of Health and the Medical Research Council announced a £5 million research programme into links between air pollution and respiratory disease. I and my colleagues will further consider issues of air quality and public health when we discuss the terms of our response to the consultation paper on improving air quality. We intend to publish our proposals later this year.