HC Deb 07 July 1971 vol 820 c1318
14. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with lorry makers about reducing exhaust smoke emissions from diesel-powered vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peyton

Last December I published a draft regulation which would require new diesel-engined vehicles to comply with the strict smoke limit included in the British Standard for diesel engines. I hope to announce shortly the terms of the final regulation.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Can my right hon. Friend say how he intends to enforce the law when these vehicles get on the road and whether he has had any discussion with the vehicle industry about whether it would be possible to have a smoke meter installed in the cab to warn the driver that his vehicle was breaking the law?

Mr. Peyton

I will take into account the helpful suggestion made in the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. He has raised the difficulty of enforcement, which, alas, is an abiding problem to which I cannot give an easy answer, but it continues to receive very thorough attention.

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