§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions have taken place with his European ministerial counterparts concerning the need to reduce levels of air pollution. [15127]
§ Mr. AtkinsI maintain regular contacts with my European ministerial counterparts on all aspects of environmental protection, including air pollution. Most recently, I met my European Community counterparts in Brussels on 9 March at the meeting of the Environment Council. We had a fruitful discussion on a number of issues related to air pollution, including the proposed directive on integrated pollution prevention and control and the proposed framework directive on ambient air quality assessment and management.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to reduce levels of air pollution; and if he will make a statement. [15133]
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government announced their strategic policies for managing air quality in the document "Air Quality: Meeting the Challenge", published on 19 January. Copies are available in the House Libraries. Those policies are aimed at delivering sustainable improvements in air quality throughout the UK. Proposals include a framework of national air quality standards, a new system of local air quality assessment and management and an action plan for transport.