§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement as to the present position of the United Kingdom in the Brussels negotiations aimed at lowering present noise level limits for all vehicles, including motor cycles, at the construction stage; and how many new technical standards would be applied to non-EEC imports.
§ Mr. William RodgersLower noise limits for vehicles were adopted by the Community on 8th March this year in Council Directive 77/212/EEC. This does not include limits for motor cycles, which are still being discussed separately. From 1st October 1982 member States may prohibit the initial entry into service of vehicles which do not comply with the requirements for the Directive. The limits will apply in the United Kingdom to all imported vehicles irrespective of the country of origin.