§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to combat air pollution with particular reference to ground level ozone. [29815]
§ Angela EagleGround level ozone is a problem which requires action at the international level. Several initiatives will help to combat ground level ozone. The Government hope to achieve common position under the UK Presidency on a Solvents directive reducing the emissions of ozone pre-cursors. The Government are negotiating under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe a Protocol on Nitrogen Oxides and related substances which will deal, amongst other issues, with ground level ozone. The UK is participating650W in the technical work that will contribute to the European Commission's proposed Ozone Strategy. The Commission is also preparing a directive on ground level ozone which will set environmental quality objectives. The Government intend to produce a consultation paper later in the year on a scheme, known as "Stage II", to reduce petrol vapour emissions from petrol filling stations.