§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will increase his funding to local authorities to enable them to measure air quality; and if he will make a statement. [23749]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesUnder the Environment Act 1995 local authorities will have new duties in respect of air quality. Phased implementation of the new duties, involving a representative number of local authorities in Wales, England and Scotland, will commence in 1996–97. Special grant support is being provided to those authorities to cover any necessary increased expenditure.
207WThis first phase will enable the Government to assess the resource implications of implementing the new local authority duties and will inform decisions on any Government support that might be required.