§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research his Department has evaluated into the link between diesel engine emissions and lung disease in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [45875]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsThe Welsh Office has not evaluated any research specifically into links between diesel engines and lung disease in Wales.
A Government research initiative into air pollution and respiratory disease was launched in 1995. Research into lung function and diesel emissions is included amongst the projects chosen to receive funding. It is hoped that when this programme is completed towards the end of 333W next year, we may have a better understanding of some of the mechanisms that may be at work concerning air pollution and lung disease.