§ Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress is being made with research into the effect on health of diesel oil and petrol exhaust fumes; and to what extent consideration has been given to the benefits which might he obtained if exhaust fumes were emitted from the level of the roofs or vehicles instead of near to the ground.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAs part of the Medical Research Council's programme of work on the effects of atmospheric pollution on health to which I referred in my answer to the hon. and learned Member for West Ham, South (Mr. Elwyn Jones) on 22nd January, research is continuing on the effects of both diesel and petrol engine fumes, but at present there is no definite evidence to suggest that such fumes create a specific health hazard. With regard to the second part of the Question, the possible advantages to be gained from the emission of vehicle exhaust fumes at a higher level have been considered, but on balance it is thought better for such fumes normally to be emitted near the ground.