39. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Transport what research is being carried out on running buses on propane gas; and whether, in the interest of lessened noise and lessened exhaust fumes, he will encourage the use of such gas.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettIt is known that in the North-East it is planned to operate a bus on propane gas, but it is too early to say whether or not the use of this type of fuel should be encouraged generally for this purpose.
Mr. Gresham CookeIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that we seem to be on the edge of a break-through in the use of propane gas in diesel engines, and that if this were done there would be no diesel fumes, much less noise and in an urban area where buses are run near their bases, if the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not put on a large tax, they would be economical? Therefore, should not this research be encouraged in urban areas such as London and other big centres?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettOn the question of fumes, comparative tests have shown that the proportion of carbon monoxide emitted from an ordinary diesel engine is only a fraction of that emitted from an ordinary petrol or propane engine. This matter requires more study before we could agree with my hon. Friend's conclusions. We are aware that propane gas, so long as it remains tax-free, could offer an economic advantage, but the total quantities of propane gas available should also be considered. These are matters for the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Power.
Mr. Gresham CookeWill my hon. and gallant Friend agree that no smoke comes out of the diesel engine as it does when a vehicle is using ordinary derv?