§ Mr. Lewis Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made by his Department of the dangers to health of the use of lead additives in petrol; what studies have been made of this problem; if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the 124W extent of the health hazard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Social Security has recently advised me that he does not find evidence that the present levels of lead in the atmosphere constitute a general hazard to health. Nevertheless, it would be advisable to halt the present rising trend in lead emissions to the environment and if possible to reverse it. The trend largely results from increasing numbers of motor vehicles and we are considering possible action.
In this connection I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow, East (Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson) on 3rd August.—[Vol. 822, c. 273–4.]
§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take account of the recent report of the Mobil Oil Corporation in the United States of America, a copy of which is in his possession, on the dangers to health of the lead content in petrol in his current review of the lead pollution problem; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI know of no report by the company. I received at second hand a report by a computer analyst employed by the company, primarily concerned with ways of supplying low-lead petrol. We are actively pursuing detailed studies of the complex subject of the use of lead in petrol and as soon as these are completed, I shall make a statement.