§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what definition the Government uses of zero sulphur road transport fuel; what the present plans are for the introduction of zero sulphur motor transport fuels in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [98045]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Secretary of State for Transport has responsibility for road fuel quality matters.
A Council and European Parliament directive, adopted at 3rd Reading on 6 February 2003, sets a maximum sulphur content of 10mg/kg for all petrol and diesel sold in the EU as from 1 January 2009. Other fuel properties are also defined in this directive, which is due to be published in the Official Journal of the European Community shortly. Fuels to this quality are generally referred to as "sulphur-free" or "zero sulphur" fuel. The Government will be introducing an amendment to the Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) Regulations to incorporate the directive requirements later this year.
The directive also requires Member States to ensure that petrol and diesel fuel to this quality is available on an "appropriately balanced geographical basis" from 1 January 2005 in order that it is available for the latest technology vehicles that can take best advantage of it. The Government are considering options, in conjunction with the oil industry, as to how best to achieve this objective.