Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stewart Malcolm McDonald and Robert Goodwill

Thursday 16th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Goodwill]

Internal combustion engines produce pollutants which contribute to air quality problems. That is why we need to ensure that more people opt for green alternatives such as electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and other technologies that are becoming available.

[Stewart McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

A report published in today’s Financial Times reveals that, in 2010, 9,500 people died prematurely in London alone as a result of pollutants that are commonly found in fumes from diesel trucks, buses and cars. As well as the human cost, such pollutants carry a financial cost of up to £3.7 billion, just in the capital. Will the Government look at that report, and consider commissioning a similar report applying to the whole United Kingdom?