§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has completed his review of the lead content of petrol; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerYes. The maximum permitted content of lead in petrol at present is 0.84 grammes per litre. This is laid down by British Standard, BS4040, with which the oil industry voluntarily complies. The Chief Medical Officer of Health has advised that present levels of lead emissions do not offer a danger to health, but that it is desirable that they should not be exceeded and they should if possible be reduced. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I have therefore agreed upon a programme of phased reduction in the lead content of petrol as follows:
Maximum permitted
By the end of 1972–0.64 grammes per litre.
By the end of 1973–0.55 grammes per litre.
By the end of 1975–0.45 grammes per litre.
105WThe oil and motor industries have been fully consulted in the course of my review and have given an assurance of full cooperation in carrying out this programme. The oil industry has agreed that the programme should be backed by legislation. The industry has assured me that reduction of the maximum lead content to 0.45 grammes per litre will not prevent continued production of the high grade (five-star) petrol which many present-day vehicles need.
Reduction in the lead content of petrol to 0.45 grammes per litre will ensure that emissions of lead from petrol-engined vehicles will fall substantially taking account of rising vehicle mileage. The Department is collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry and the oil and motor industries in a detailed study of the problems involved in lowering levels still further. We are also studying other means of controlling emissions of lead from vehicles.
Because of the international nature of the oil and motor industries, and as Britain is a prospective member of the European Community, I intend to work for the adoption of a common programme within the enlarged Community for reduced limits of lead in petrol. I have accordingly informed the Commission of the European Economic Community of the programme I am now announcing.