§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many air quality monitoring sites there are in Wales; and what plans he has to increase the number. [35521]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsAt the end of October 1997 there were 44 continuous and 377 non-continuous air quality monitoring sites in Wales. A variety of pollutants are monitored at these sites including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, fine particles (PM 10) and hydrocarbons.
The Government keep their monitoring network and the need for additional sites under review. In partnership, with local authorities throughout Wales and the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, the Welsh Office has established an air quality forum to share information and to assist in providing an effective air quality monitoring programme.