§ Mr. Gwilym JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of(a) the income to the Exchequer and (b) the financial benefit to the environment from the sale of catalytic converters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeI have been asked to reply.
Catalytic converters will be fitted to virtually all new petrol cars from the end of 1992. They will add to their cost and fuel consumption will increase, but there will be major improvements in local and regional air quality. It is impossible to predict (a) the effect these changes will have on revenue to the Exchequer, given the unpredictable nature of the market, and (b) the financial benefit to the environment at this time from the sale of these devices, given that many of the factors involved cannot be costed.