§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about proposals to limit toxic exhaust fumes from small cars; if his Department is studying proposals being considered by the European Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 25 July 1988]: The vehicle manufacturers were closely consulted over the proposals. They made it clear to the Government that they regarded an early settlement on the basis of these proposals as preferable to a delay in agreement.
My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 30 June, at column 368, that a political agreement by qualified majority, and subject to a United Kingdom parliamentary scrutiny reserve, was reached at the 28 June Environment Council. More complete details of the proposal and the agreement are in the supplementary explanatory memorandum 4637/88, COM(87)706 dated 8 July 1988.