§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the level of(a) nitrogen oxide, (b) carbon monoxide, (c) volatile organic compounds and (d) black smoke emissions in the atmosphere in 1983 and 1993. [39889]
§ Mr. ClappisonNational emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds and black smoke in 1983 and 1993 are presented in the table.
Thousand tonnes National Emissions Pollutants 1983 1993 Nitrogen Oxides 2,331 2,347 Carbon Monoxide 5,065 5,641 Volatile Organic Compounds 2,384 2,418 Black Smoke 511 444 Source:
National Environmental Technology Centre, Culham, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he had to simplify and clarify the measures of carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen used in the United Kingdom. [39899]
287W
§ Mr. ClappisonMy Department publishes data on UK emissions of carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen annually in accordance with international guidelines set out by the intergovernmental panel on climate change and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. A simple interpretation of the carbon dioxide data is given every six months in the Department's climate change newsletter.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on siting pollution monitoring sites in order to register typical readings. [39900]
§ Mr. ClappisonMonitoring stations are sited taking into account independent expert advice in order to provide a comprehensive picture of air pollution across the country. Sites are selected according to the following criteria:
- —urban background sites give information on the exposure of large numbers of people over significant periods of time;
- —kerbside sites give information on the highest, albeit transient, levels of traffic-related pollution to which the public are exposed;
- —hot spot sites are selected to find locations where the highest levels of pollution may occur after rigorous screening exercises using diffusion tubes.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment what representations he has received from local authorities asking him to use his powers as set out in the Environment Act 1995 to enable them to stop vehicles and test their emissions. [40363]
§ Mr. ClappisonI have received a number of representations from local authorities concerning powers to stop vehicles and test their emissions. There are no plans to change the law which only permits police officers to stop vehicles. However, enabling regulations could be made under section 87 of the Environment Act 1995 to permit local authorities, with police support, to carry our emissions checks on vehicles using the road. We are currently consulting with interested parties on how this might be done in practice.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment what proposals he has to introduce air quality standards to allow him to use powers contained in the Environment Act 1995 to set up air quality management areas. [40362]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe national air quality strategy will include proposals for air quality standards. The strategy will be published for consultation under section 80 of the Environment Act 1995 within the next few months.