§ LORD PARGITERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend, as the last Gov- 454 ernment did, to enforce the fitting of pollution suppresssion devices on all new cars.]
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONYes, my Lords. A draft regulation was published on October 8 which would require new cars first used after October 1, 1971, to be equipped with a device to eliminate the escape of fumes from the engine crank case.
§ LORD PARGITERMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. There is legislation in some countries at the present time, and in certain States in America, which may differ from ours. There is also the European Economic Commission, which is proposing certain standards, and so on. I wonder whether it is possible to get some unanimity on this matter, to the general benefit of the industry and to the public as well.
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, what the noble Lord has said is quite true. In America a higher standard is required for the exhaust gases of carbon monoxide, because in the Los Angeles area the climate is different from ours and smog arises directly from that. In Europe this does not occur, and although the European Economic Commission have recommended as an ideal for the future certain higher standards, the Government at the moment do not think this is a necessity. But they are still keeping it in mind.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, the supplementary material provided by the noble Lord has a familiar ring. Could the noble Lord say to what extent the new regulation which will come into force will require similar forms of equipment to those required in Europe? Is there any question of uniformity between ourselves and Europe?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, at the moment I think the answer to that question is, No. This is a small modification. Half the cars being manufactured already eliminate crank case escape gases. This modification will cost only £1 and will be compulsory on all new cars as from the date I gave. Owing to the extra cost involved, at the moment the Government do not think there is further need to introduce legislation.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether Her Majesty's Government will consider in this new legislation requiring that suppression devices be fitted in diesel lorries, which emit the most noxious and dangerous fumes?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, this Question refers to cars. Also, bearing in mind that I shall be answering a Question on diesel lorries next Tuesday, I think your Lordships will be content to wait until then.
§ LORD PARGITERMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he agrees that this device will not in any case deal with the carbon monoxide problem, which is another problem, not arising from exhaust fumes?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONNo, my Lords, not directly; but, as the White Paper published by the noble Lord's own Government said, carbon monoxide fumes are not at this moment reckoned to be a serious danger to health.