HL Deb 09 December 1996 vol 576 cc75-6WA
Baroness Strange

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made with the system of local air pollution control which was established under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers)

The Government have today published a progress report on the implementation of the system of local air pollution control which was established under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The local air pollution control system specifies processes which are not to be operated without an authorisation from the relevant local authority. One of the main objectives of the system is to reduce industrial emissions and to improve local air quality.

The report shows that, since 1991, business has submitted some 15,000 applications for authorisation. Local authorities have decided 92 per cent. of all applications. This is a considerable achievement given the task which local authorities faced, not least in familiarising themselves with new legislation, procedures and technical information.

The report also highlights the important role which local air pollution control will play in the successful development of the new system of local air quality management which was established under the Environment Act 1995.

Local air pollution control should result in substantial improvements in air quality in locations where industry has been a significant air pollution source, helping us to achieve air quality targets and commitments.

For example, large numbers of industrial emitters of volatile organic compounds fall within local air pollution control. The Government's strategy to secure a 30 per cent. reduction in annual volatile organic compound emissions between 1988 and 1999 places considerable reliance on the reductions in emissions of volatile organic compounds which will result from local air pollution control. Present indications are that by 1999 the reduction may be of the order of 40 per cent. reflecting a significant contribution by local air pollution control.

One reason for the success of local air pollution control has been the adoption of a partnership approach. Central and local government, business and wider interests have been actively involved in the development of both policies and procedures.

Whilst local air pollution control now appears to be firmly established and is operating effectively, the next five years will involve new challenges, including a substantial amount of upgrading of existing processes over the next two years. The report, which we have published today, will help to develop a clear view of the issues which face, local air pollution control in the next few years and the priorities which should guide its development.

I have arranged for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.