§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the vehicles due for replacement by(a) his Department and (b) bodies listed in the National Asset Register in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01 will be replaced by vehicles using (1) petrol, (2) diesel, (3) natural gas, (4) electric batteries and (5) other. [52616]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 28 July 1998]: It is not possible to make accurate predictions two or three years in advance, as each case is considered on merit at the time of replacement. Factors such as fitness for purpose, expected rate of use, location, available funds, technical developments, fuel cost etc. are taken into account.
Our best estimate is that like for like replacements will continue until further technical developments take place in alternative power sources.