Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What proportion of the reduction in toxic emissions and other pollutants listed in the Pilot Environmental Accounts published in August is attributable to (a) a reduction in economic activity and (b) implementation of clean technologies. - Includes fact that not possible to disaggregate this information.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the reduction in toxic emissions and other pollutants listed in the pilot environmental accounts published in August is attributable to (a) a reduction in economic activity and (b) implementation of clean technologies. [40340] Mr. Clappison: There are a number of sources of information on the sources of, and on past and predicted trends in, emissions of the pollutants listed in the pilot environmental accounts. These include the "Chemical Release Inventory", published by HMIP--now the Environment Agency--the "National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory"--AEA Technology--the Department of the Environment's "Digest of Environmental Statistics" and the draft "National Air Quality Strategy". It is not, however, possible to disaggregate this information in such a way as to be able to attribute the reduction in pollutants to different causes, such as economic activity, the application of cleaner technologies, changing business practices or other factors.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40340; 282 c821-2W;282 c819W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Air pollution Energy Hazardous substances Pollution control Production Research
Contains statistics: Yes