Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce air pollution in homes.
The Clean Air Strategy includes measures to reduce key sources which contribute to indoor air pollution, including measures to reduce emissions of particulate matter from domestic solid fuel burning. Last year the Government legislated to phase out the sale of the most polluting solid fuels (wet wood, bituminous house coal and high sulphur manufactured solid fuels) and this will come into force from 1 May. In addition, new emission standards for solid fuel appliances will also come into force from 2022, ensuring only the cleanest new stoves are available for sale.
The Government recognises the importance of national leadership on the issue of indoor air quality and is taking action in this space, for example improving ventilation standards in buildings.