§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to tackle severe air pollution, including winter smog.
§ Mr. AtkinsMany measures are already in place to reduce emissions of pollutants into the air. These include catalytic converters, which have been required on all cars since the end of 1992. As a result, the risk of episodes of high pollution is expected to decrease over the next few years. In March, the Government published a consultation paper, "Improving Air Quality", which initiated wide-ranging and constructive debate. The Government intend to publish then proposals shortly.