HC Deb 08 April 1960 vol 621 cc77-8W
Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the evidence, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Dunfermline, that a cancer-causing element, benz-pyrene, is present in petrol engine exhaust fumes, and in view of the fact that this can easily and cheaply be remedied by making adjustments to exhaust pipes, if he will introduce suitable legislation to protect the public against the dangers involved.

Mr. Marples

Research into the effects on health of the various pollutants, including small quantities of benzpyrene, which may be found in exhaust fumes and into ways of eliminating them is being carried out by the Medical Research Council and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Contact is being maintained with work in the U.S.A., where much research on the subject is being undertaken, but I understand that it has not yet proved possible to develop an efficient and economical device for the elimination of these fumes.

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