§ 5. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he now intends to introduce regulations to reduce lead emissions from petrol; and if he will make a statement.
§ 11. Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he proposes further legislation to control motor vehicle exhaust pollution.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)I will be making an announcement in the near future of what further controls over atmospheric pollution by motor vehicles I consider necessary. I am paying particularly close attention to the use of lead additives in fuel.
§ Mrs. ButlerAs lead in petrol is now recognised as a serious and growing health hazard in cities, would the Minister indicate whether he is considering the possibility of legislation to compel petroleum companies to make an effective reduction in lead content? Nothing else could be significant in reducing this pollution.
§ Mr. WalkerI must ask the hon. Lady to await my announcement over the total position. I am not certain whether the proposals I would make would need legislation or could be done by order. I ask the hon. Lady to wait until the final discussions are concluded.
§ Mr. WilkinsonDoes my right hon. Friend take seriously the report in the 1315 Evening Standard yesterday about the alarming increase of lead in the atmosphere? Following from that, would he expedite legislation in this matter, because increasingly our overseas motor markets, such as United States and, perhaps, in future, Europe, will demand that engines are able to cope with low octane ratings?
§ Mr. WalkerAs my hon. Friend probably knows, the Chief Medical Officer has stated that it is important that lead content in the atmosphere does not increase. I am well aware of this advice and I shall be taking the appropriate action.