§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now speed up implementation of the declared policy of reducing the maximum lead content of petrol from 0.45 to 0.40 grams per litre to conform with European standards and make this effective not later than 1979.
§ Mr. HoramThe present maximum level is 0.55 grams per litre, and this is to be reduced to 0.45 grams per litre with effect from 1st January next year. The reduction is in line with medical advice to contain total lead emission from vehicles within the levels prevailing in 1971. That same advice points to the need to make a further reduction to 0.40 grams per litre within the next two to three years, but no decision has yet been taken on this within the European Community.