§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the relationship between increases in traffic levels and health costs; and if he will make a statement. [61489]
§ Ms JowellThe Department of Health funds, jointly with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Medical Research Council, a166W programme of research into the effects of air pollutants on health. A study looking at the effects on health of relieving traffic congestion by building a bypass has been funded. This study is being done in Queensferry. Results are expected in 1999. The Department has assessed the impact of air pollution on health and has published a report: Quantification of the Effects of Air Pollution on Health in the United Kingdom. Copies are available in the Library. The Department has been examining the costs associated with these effects as a part of the accelerated review of the National Air Quality Strategy. A report will be published early in the new year.