HC Deb 16 November 1960 vol 630 c45W
Dr. A. Thompson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit the emission of black exhaust fumes by diesel-powered vehicles not only in circumstances which endanger other road-users but when threatening the health of pedestrians, thereby extending the scope of present legislation from considerations of road safety to those of public health.

Mr. Marples

The law already prohibits the emission by vehicles of fumes likely to cause injury or danger to persons who may be on the road. Investigations sponsored by the Medical Research Council into air pollution, including the effects of diesel and petrol fumes, have not so far demonstrated that these fumes have any immediate or long-term deleterious effects on health.