HC Deb 07 March 1995 vol 256 cc106-7W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what monitoring has taken place of emissions from diesel trains.

Mr. Watts

Under section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is the duty of district councils and London borough councils to inspect their areas from time to time to detect any statutory nuisances, including emissions from railway engines but excluding steam locomotives.

Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to curb emissions from railway diesel engines.

Mr. Watts

It is a condition of the train operator's licence to produce an environmental policy, taking account of guidance from the rail regulator which I understand is in preparation. British Rail takes active steps to control exhaust emissions in sensitive locations. In some terminal stations and depots, provision of shore-based electrical supplies has greatly reduced the need for engines to idle. For new trains, better fuel consumption control has been incorporated in design specifications, together with automatic engine shut-off after a predetermined period.