§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to ensure the effective monitoring of progress by local authorities on the implementation of plans to improve air quality. [11733]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 November 2001]: Local authorities have a key role to play in improving air quality, and we recognise the importance of monitoring closely the progress that they are making. We have issued guidance to local authorities on preparing air quality action plans, and authorities are required to consult us on all draft plans as they emerge. We will consider these carefully, and offer formal comments as appropriate. Once air quality action plans are in place, we will monitor their effectiveness through our national air quality monitoring network, as well as by overseeing the results of local authorities' own future reviews and assessments of air quality. Where insufficient progress is being made, we have the power under section 85 of the Environment Act 1995 to issue directions to local authorities, requiring them to do more.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will establish a timetable for regular reviews of the Government's air quality standards. [11732]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 November 2001]: The Government's plans for future reviews of air quality standards and objectives were set out in Chapter 6 ("Next Steps") of the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, published in January 2000. The Government's air quality standards are based on the advice of the expert panel on air quality standards (EPAQS), and are reviewed as and when necessary in the light of scientific and other developments in the UK and elsewhere. EPAQS's work programme is regularly revised to take account of emerging developments, including new advice from the World Health Organisation and the European Commission.
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to widen the membership of the expert panel on air quality standards and to review its remit; and if she will make a statement. [11731]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 November 2001]: The Government recognise the need to widen the membership of the expert panel on air quality standards (EPAQS). We are, for example, taking urgent steps to recruit at least one lay member onto the panel. EPAQS remit will be revised and updated following discussions at the Air Quality forum (a stakeholder group which advises the Government on air quality policies) earlier this year. A copy of the remit and a list of the current members is available via the Department's website. http://www.defra.gov.uk/