HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 cc1277-9
8. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he will now take to prevent the poisoning of the air in large towns by fumes from motor vehicles, including visible smoke from diesel engines, to enforce the testing of engines which have been observed by police officers to emit excessive or unnecessary smoke, and to require the necessary adjustments or improvements to be made to such engines; and whether he has studied regulations on this subject now in operation in the City of Durban, proposals for similar action in the State of California and a report by Mr. Douglas Lister to the annual conference of the National Society for Clean Air at Harrogate on 5th October last at which his Department was represented, copies of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Swindon.

Mr. Marples

It is an offence to emit smoke or fumes from any vehicle if this might cause damage to property or injury or danger to people; the police can, and do, prosecute offenders. Many of the pollutants, especially invisible ones, are, however, difficult to measure. Officers of my Department have power to prohibit the use of unfit goods vehicles and buses, and, when the opportunity arises, urge on those concerned the importance of correct driving and maintenance to reduce fumes; their efforts are having some success. We study all proposals in this field and keep in touch with developments overseas. I have recently circulated a proposal to amend the law to ensure that the excess fuel device cannot be misused to obtain additional power while driving, e.g., on hills, at the expense of clouds of black smoke.

Mr. Noel-Baker

While thanking the Minister for taking a close interest in this very important matter, may I ask him if his Answer indicates that rings are being run round the law if it is really an offence to emit poisonous fumes? As he knows, in all big cities there is a very high concentration of carbon monoxide, 3–4 benzpyrene and other highly dangerous and poisonous substances. This is becoming a growing problem. Can he assure us that he is looking at it very carefully indeed and watching the increasing concentration of these poisonous gases in our cities?

Mr. Marples

I can assure the hon. Member that I am very concerned about this problem. The difficulty is to get a technical device which can measure it. No country in the world has yet succeeded in doing that, but we are keeping in close touch with California. As soon as anyone gets a satisfactory device we shall look at it and try to get one of our own.

Mr. Dugdale

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many prosecutions have taken place and how many have been successful?

Mr. Marples

Not without notice.