§ Lord Lloyd-Webberasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of their commitment to sustainable development, and in preparation for the Kyoto Conference on Climate Change, whether they will seek to end activities which cause noise pollution, air pollution and environmental degradation, and in particular activities such as Formula One racing in rural areas such as Silverstone in Northamptonshire.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)While the Government sets the framework for environmental policies, local authorities are responsible for dealing with pollution from activities such as motor racing. Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 includes powers for local authorities to require the abatement of excessive noise, smoke, steam, smell and other effluvia emitted from premises. We understand that Northamptonshire County Council and South Northamptonshire Council are promoting the establishment of a trans-national network among European Formula One and other major motor racing circuits. They envisage such a network could, for example, be used to address environmental concerns, including looking at innovative ways of reducing noise and air pollution.