HC Deb 05 February 1976 vol 904 cc687-8W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what would be the effect on engine performance and petrol consumption if the lead content of petrol were reduced to comply with the recommendations of the draft council directive R/3113/73.

Mr. Denis Howell

Provided that octane ratings are maintained as is intended the levels of lead in petrol proposed in the draft Council Directive should not affect engine performance or petrol consumption.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what form of legislation will be introduced to enact the requirements of R/3113/73 and R/1150/75.

Mr. Denis Howell

The draft Council Directive R/3113/73 concerned with lead in petrol would be implemented by regulations made under the Control of Pollution Act, 1974—the implementation of the draft Directive R/1150/75 concerned with lead in the atmosphere and in the blood could involve regulations under a number of statutes, including the Food and Drugs Act 1955 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and it might be necessary to seek new statutory powers.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if tetra ethyl lead is reduced or eliminated from petrol, if he is aware of any new petrol additives to maintain the octane rating of petrol for motor vehicles;

(2) if refineries have to be adapted in the United Kingdom to produce high octane petrol, in the absence of antiknock additives, what is likely to be the capital cost involved and the additional price likely to be added to a gallon of petrol;

(3) how much additional crude oil will have to be refined in the United Kingdom to maintain high octane petrol if the tetra ethyl lead additives are to be substantially reduced, in order to maintain the same car mileage.

Mr. John Smith

I have been asked to reply:

Reductions in the use of lead additives in petrol would necessitate more severe processing at oil refineries to maintain octane ratings. The effects on oil imports and on refinery capital and operating costs would depend on the size of the reductions in lead content and on operational methods. I am not aware of any economically viable replacement additives.