HC Deb 18 November 1958 vol 595 cc985-6
7. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress has been made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and other research agencies in ascertaining means of purifying exhaust fumes of diesel-powered road vehicles, prior to emission; and, having regard to the rate of increase of carcinogenic diseases commensurate with the increase of such vehicles, also support for clean air policy, what further Government' action in the matter is proposed.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Department has done no research on the purification of exhaust fumes from diesel-powered road vehicles; but results of work carried out elsewhere have shown that the greater part of the smoke from diesel engines can be prevented by proper adjustment, running and maintenance. The Medical Research Council has no evidence at present to suggest that exposure to diesel fumes is a contributory factor in the causation of cancer.

Mr. Nabarro

Is my hon. Friend aware of mounting public indignation at the belching forth of filthy, poisonous and unpleasant fumes from diesel oil engines, notably in built-up areas? Will he resist the temptation, arising from the fact that he has a large diesel oil engine works in his own constituency, of imagining that everybody in the country views with equanimity, as he does, this positive nuisance in towns and built-up areas?

Mr. Nicholls

Frankly, I cannot see what my hon. Friend's interests in the works in my constituency has to do with the Question. I have no doubt that he would find it a more satisfactory works to have than perhaps some of the carpet undertakings in his own constituency. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are all very concerned that there shall be no unnecessary pollution of the atmosphere, and many research organisations are giving attention to the possibility of minimising the effect from diesel vehicles.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Would not the most satisfactory step be to enforce the law as it now stands? Is not it a fact that there are regulations concerning the emission of black smoke and that they are not observed in a great many cases owing to the poor maintenance of the vehicles?

Mr. Nicholls

It is true that much of the nuisance which we now have to tolerate arises because there is not proper maintenance, and all owners of diesel vehicles should give special care to the filters and the general maintenance of their vehicles.