HC Deb 20 January 1995 vol 252 cc706-7W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his proposals to tackle severe air pollution including winter smog.

Mr. Atkins

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State yesterday published a statement of the Government's strategic policies for improving air quality. Proposals on action during air quality episodes, including provision of information to the public, will be published later this year.

Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to consult with organisations of, and representing, people with disabilities over any restrictions on vehicular use of city centre streets in periods of high air pollution.

Sir Paul Beresford

The Government's strategic policies for managing air quality are set out in "Air Quality: Meeting the Challenge", published by the Secretaries of State for the Environment, for Scotland, for Wales, for Northern Ireland, and for Transport on 19 January 1995. Those policies are aimed at delivering sustainable improvements in air quality, thereby reducing the risk of episodes of high pollution and possible need for restrictions on vehicular use in such circumstance. It will be the Government's policy to ensure that should such restrictions nevertheless be contemplated, there is appropriate consultation with relevant interests, including people with disabilities.