§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will carry out a series of special monitoring studies into the degree of atmospheric pollution suffered by motorists and others whilst they remain in confined spaces such as garages, underground car parks, and underpasses during periods of stationary or very slow-moving motor traffic congestion.
§ Mr. MarksA number of studies have been made of pollution caused by motor vehicles in confined spaces. These have not revealed a widespread problem for which general measures of alleviation would be appropriate. Problems may, however, arise in particular cases if insufficient attention is given in design and in operation to minimising pollution.
§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the 1971 advice of the Chief Medical Officers (DHSS) concerning the maximum emission of lead from vehicle exhausts particularly in the light of the failure to have the situation reviewed during 1975 as promised.
§ Mr. MarksThe Chief Medical Officer (DHSS) has completed his review of the medical effects of lead in petrol, as announced in the House on 4th March 1976—[Vol. 906, c. 1676–7]. His advice was that whilst there is no evidence 233W of harm to health at present levels of lead in the general environment, it would be prudent to restrict total emissions of lead from cars to the 1971 level. That advice has been accepted and used as the basis of the Motor Fuel (Lead Content of Petrol) Regulations 1976, which came into operation on 30th November 1976.