§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is being currently undertaken into the effects of (a) petrol fumes and (b) diesel fumes on the health of those who come into contact with them; and whether any evidence exists to indicate that they contain carcinogenic substances.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Medical Research Council has conducted a study of diesel-bus garage workers, which showed no significantly higher incidence of any form of cancer. The bus garage workers have recently been surveyed again and the results are expected shortly.
The United Kingdom is supporting a European collaborative study into the effects of the long-term inhalation of exhaust fumes and into the mutagenic effect of exhaust fumes on bacteria.
There is no evidence at present that exposure to exhaust fumes from diesel or petrol engines may cause cancer.