HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 cc269-70W
91. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the intention of the United States of America to introduce regulations limiting the quantities of noxious substances which may be emitted from engines of all vehicles sold in the United States of America after 1968, including British-made vehicles, she is considering the introduction of similar regulations.

Mr. Swingler

Climatic and other conditions in parts of the United States, particularly California, make the exhaust gases from vehicles extremely obnoxious. Although climatic conditions are different in this country we are, together with other European Countries, considering this problem and the measures, if any, required to deal with it. Our motor manufacturers are working on means to reduce harmful emissions from motor vehicles to meet probable European developments as well as to comply with the American requirements.

98. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Transport if she will instruct her expert representatives to press for international agreement on measures to eliminate the dangers of air pollution from motor car exhausts when they take part in discussions in the European Working Party on Motor Vehicles in July.

Mr. Swingler

The first need is to decide whether there is a material danger in Europe and, if so, upon its extent and nature, because measures needed where there are special climatic and driving conditions may be unnecessary in this country.

If studies now being carried out by the Air Pollution Research Unit and in other places here and abroad show that there is a material danger, we will press for international agreement on methods of dealing with it. The motor industry are already working to reduce potentially dangerous emissions.