The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (Michael Gove): The hon. Lady (Sue
Hayman (Workington) (Lab) asked about clean air zones. Clean
air zones can be implemented by local authorities if they believe
that that is the right solution. We on the Government Benches
believe in the “local” in local government. It is right for local
authorities to make an appropriate decision, depending on the
circumstances in that area. A one-size-fits-all approach imposed
from the centre may be appropriate in the Marxist-Leninist world of
the Corbynistas, but we believe that it is appropriate to work with
local authorities and Metro
Mayors. When necessary, we will apply
ministerial directions, but it is appropriate to have the right
approach for each individual area.
(Richmond Park)
(Con): A properly targeted diesel scrappage scheme would
enable us to get rid of the most polluting cars on our streets,
and if it was properly targeted it could be done without
hammering those people on the lowest incomes. Will my right hon.
Friend commit to pressing the Treasury to agree to such a scheme,
because ultimately it will have to do so?
: My hon. Friend makes
a very good point. The success of any scrappage scheme depends on
effective targeting. What we cannot do—it would be
irresponsible—would be to use public money to subsidise people
who are already making a choice to get rid of a particular
vehicle. The deadweight cost associated with that would not be
money appropriately spent. He makes the very good point that if
we can effectively target such vehicles and find the individuals
whom we can incentivise to move towards a green and more
sustainable method of transport, we should of course support such
measures. I am entirely open-minded about any proposals that
might come forward, whether from Metro Mayors, local authorities
or others...
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