To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he or his officials have made representations to the European Commission in relation to the EU air quality framework directive on derogations for time limits on meeting pollution levels covered by the directive; and if he will make a statement. (181718)

[holding answer 24 January 2008]: The UK has not made any request for derogations under the current EU air quality framework directive.

The new EU directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe is expected to be adopted later this year. It provides for member states to seek approval from the European Commission for plans to meet existing limit values for particulate matter (PM₁₀) and nitrogen dioxide by extended deadlines. Any decision by the Government to apply for the extended deadlines would be subject to a full public consultation.