§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the present maximum permitted level of the lead in petrol compared with the levels permitted in Bonn, New York and
Location United Kingdom Bonn New York Tokyo Maximum permitted lead level (grammes/litre) 0.55* 0.15 0.42 0.28† 0.02‡ A reduction to 0.15 grammes/litre in the United Kingdom would have a substantial effect on oil refining costs, both in terms of additional capital investment and increased crude oil requirements, but extensive technical studies would be needed to quantify them. * This level is being observed voluntarily by the oil industry. Regulations will be introduced to make a level of 0.50 per litre mandatory with effect from 30th November 1976 and 0.45 grammes per litre from 1st January 1978 respectively. † No statutory maximum lead level exists in Japan. This figure is the recommendation of the "Japanese Standards Institute". ‡ Recommendation of the Japanese Government.