§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what encouragement his Department gives to motor and truck manufacturers in the United Kingdom to reduce the petrol consumptions of their vehicles by increasing miles per gallon performance.
Dr. John A. CunnninghamMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry has specific responsibility for the motor industry and his Department funds research and development into all aspects of engine design, including fuel economy. The Energy Act 1976, however, gave the power to my right hon. Friend to make orders requiring manufacturers to determine by standard tests the fuel consumption of new motor cars. Discussions are currently in progress with the car industry on the content of the order introducing the tests. The results of these tests will then be published for the benefit of the general public. In addition, a special Road Vehicle and Engine Design Working Group which was set up by the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation has recently published a paper to stimulate discussion on the subject. The Advisory Council itself will in due course form a view on the paper in the light of the comments and criticism 109W received and the Government will naturally consider carefully any recommendations that the Council may make.