§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adverse effects of(a) increased benzene concentration levels in the atmosphere arising from the increased use of lead-free petrol and (b) the decreased lead levels arising from reduced use of leaded petrol.
§ Mr. FreemanThe increased use of lead-free petrol is not expected to result in a significant increase in benzene concentrations in the atmosphere.
As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh) on 3 November 1989 at column 350, the levels of benzene in petrol are regulated under an EC directive. Because the exposure to lead and benzene from petrol is so low and the health effects attributable to these exposures difficult to measure, reliable comparative assessments are not possible. Since 1974 it has been the policy of successive Governments to contain and reduce exposure to lead wherever practicable. The Government will be participating in the European Communities review of benzene in petrol which will include the health implications of such use.