Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2020 to Question 38589 on Air Pollution: Pollution Control, whether he has commissioned further analysis of the (a) economic viability and (b) practical deliverability of the WHO guideline limit for PM2.5.

We are developing a clear evidence-based process for setting the fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) target introduced in the Environment Bill. This process will involve thorough analysis and independent expert advice, considering economic, social and technological factors. It will also involve detailed analysis to assess what additional action would be needed to achieve potential targets. Stakeholders, Parliament and the public will have the opportunity to comment on and provide input to the development of an ambitious and achievable target.

We are committed to taking action on PM_2.5, as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health.