HC Deb 07 April 1970 vol 799 cc45-6W
46. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Transport what is his estimate of the economic and financial benefits to central and local government, by extending clean air policies to the exhausts of road vehicles, in view of the production of a car in the United States of America, details of which are in his possession, which emits one-twentieth of the gaseous effluents of an orthodox vehicle; and whether he will send representatives from his Department to the United States of America to study this vehicle.

Mr. Mulley

I am aware of American research to develop a pollution-free car and I am following it closely.

No measurable economic or financial benefits to central or local government are likely to result from the use of such cars in this country, although there are, of course, other arguments besides the directly economic ones.

47. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking in conjunction with the Clean Air Council, to collaborate with British industry, to enter into a research programme for the abatement of atmospheric pollution by diminishing the fumes from exhausts of motor vehicles; and what plans he has to introduce legislation to strengthen clean air policy in this regard.

Mr. Mulley

The British motor industry has already developed methods of reducing certain pollutants in car exhausts. I am considering whether any further regulations are needed to control emissions from motor vehicles.