Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Death and Infection Rate: Air Quality

Tuesday 19 May 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have occurred between DEFRA and the Department of Health and Social Care on the link between air quality and health, including the impact on covid-19 symptoms.
  • The Department is considering meeting with academics from Harvard and Queen Mary to discuss research on air quality standards and the Environment Bill, but logistical challenges due to the lockdown make this difficult.
  • Nottingham received financial support for e-taxis and bus retrofits to improve air quality, demonstrating the Government's efforts to support local councils and businesses in addressing toxic air issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lilian Greenwood Lab Nottingham South
NHS Environment
Context

Discussions on the link between air quality and exacerbation of covid-19 symptoms. DEFRA has been considering this relationship with the Department of Health and Social Care.

Question

What discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the link between air quality and the exacerbation of covid-19 symptoms?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

DEFRA has had extensive discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care on the relationship between air quality and health. They are working with Public Health England and the ONS to assess further the relationship for the UK, and DEFRA's chief scientific adviser is working with relevant experts in health, disease and air quality to assess the relationship between air quality and the risk of infection.

Answered
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Q2 Geraint Davies Lab
NHS Environment
Context

Harvard University research suggests a strong correlation between air quality and covid deaths. QMUL has shown short-term pollution increases infection risk.

Question

Will the Minister meet me, academics from Harvard and Queen Mary on 29 May to discuss this research with the aim of introducing WHO air quality standards into the Environment Bill?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

The Department, Public Health England and ONS are assessing evidence of association between PM2.5 exposure and covid-19 mortality. The clean air strategy includes measures to reduce fine particulate matter. Due to lockdown, joining the APPG would be difficult but she is interested in feedback from the meeting.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting on 29 May with specific academics was not confirmed

How: Joining The Appg Would Be Difficult

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Q3 Lilian Greenwood Lab Nottingham South
Economy Business & Trade Environment
Context

Taxi drivers in Nottingham worry about investing in new clean vehicles due to lost income. Businesses face similar pressures.

Question

How will the Government support local councils and small businesses to go faster with protecting public from toxic air, especially considering economic impacts on taxi drivers and other businesses?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Nottingham received £1 million investment for e-taxis and £1.7 million to retrofit buses, eliminating the need for a clean air zone. Nottingham is also part of Go Ultra Low cities. Officials will work closely with Nottingham City Council to understand coronavirus impacts on plans.

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