§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many responses he has received to his proposal to allow a derogation for the sale of cars not fitted with catalytic converters after 1 January 1993; how many respondents(a) supported and (b) opposed his proposal; which motor manufacturing companies (i) supported and (ii) opposed his proposal; what estimate he has made of the number of vehicles not fitted with a catalytic converter left unsold on 1 January 1993; and when he will announce his decision.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleOf some 400 representative organisations consulted in accordance with section 195(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, only 25 replied with substantive comments. Of these, 18 were in favour or raised no objection and seven opposed the derogation. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders welcomed the measures on behalf of the industry as a whole. Of individual motor manufacturing companies, Ford, Mazda, Proton, Rolls-Royce and Rover welcomed the proposal, whereas Bristol Cars did not consider it would be of use to them. No motor manufacturers opposed the proposal. We estimate that there may be some 32,000 cars 389W left unsold by 31 December which will benefit from the proposal. This represents a little under 2 per cent. of projected registrations this year. Having considered the representations, I made the related regulations (Sls 1992 Nos. 2908 and 2909) on 19 November and they were laid before the House on 26 November.