§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she has taken to improve the detection of the pollutant particles found in the PM2.5 range. [176924]
§ Alun MichaelDefra has monitored particles found in the PM2.5 range at seven locations in England since 1998. Results are available on Defra's air quality website: www.airquality.co.uk There are also a number of additional PM2.5 monitors in England funded by other organisations such as local authorities, the Highways Agency and electricity supply companies.
The Department keeps under review PM2.5 monitoring and the need for possible improvements. The Air Quality Expert Group is due to publish a draft report for comment this summer on particulate matter in the UK. This will include an assessment of PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the UK and recommendations concerning monitoring.