HC Deb 27 February 1962 vol 654 cc1117-8
18. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress has now been made by his department and the Department of Scientific and industrial Research in developing means of decolorising and decontaminating noxious dark fumes emitted from the exhausts of diesel oil-powered road vehicles; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The Warren Spring Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has not found any suitable means of removing smoke from the exhausts of diesel-powered vehicles, but it will examine any device for this purpose that comes to its notice. The real remedy lies in correct maintenance and operation of engines.

Mr. Nabarro

Have not hon. Members in all parts of the House continuously expressed apprehension in recent years about the growing gravity of the emission of asphyxiating fumes from diesel oil-powered road vehicles? As D.S.I.R. and other agencies have apparently applied themselves to this problem entirely without success for the last few years, whereas foreign countries are making progress, cannot my hon. Friend say what further steps his Ministry has in mind?

Mr. Freeth

I hope that my hon. Friend will write and tell me about the progress he asserts is being made in foreign countries. I draw his attention to the Regulations recently made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport about the use of the excess fuel device, which should have an effect in reducing the emission of dark diesel smoke, especially on hills.

Mr. J. T. Price

The House readily appreciates the technical difficulties involved in finding a solution to this problem. Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that powers are given under the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations to impose penalties on people who cause dark fumes to be emitted from vehicles? Will he consult his right hon. Friend with a view to ensuring that the powers already given by Parliament to abate this nuisance are enforced more readily than they are at present?

Mr. Speaker

No. That is not for this Minister.