HC Deb 23 February 1998 vol 307 c21W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of alternative fuels in promoting clean vehicle technology. [30579]

Dr. Strang

Conventional petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming increasingly cleaner as a result of a progressive tightening of emissions standards and are expected to provide the primary motive sources for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, in well-engineered applications, alternative fuelled vehicles do have a role to play, especially in urban areas. In these circumstances the current limitations on their range and refuelling might not be too disadvantageous and they can bring worthwhile reductions in emissions, especially of particulates and NOx.