§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, as part of his campaign to conserve energy resources, he will make proposals for improved tuning of privately owned car engines in order to secure major savings in petrol consumption.
§ Dr. John A. Cunningham:The Department of Energy is at present co-operating with the Automobile Association's "Drive" magazine in a survey which it is hoped will show how improved car maintenance and driving techniques can reduce petrol consumption. On completion of the survey there will be discussions about general publications of the findings.
In addition, the Passenger Car Fuel Consumption Order, which was laid in Parliament earlier this month, requires that from 1st April 1978 information should be made available to the public regarding the comparative fuel economy of different models of passenger cars in standard tests. It is hoped that the information which will then be available will influence prospective car buyers to choose more fuel economic engines and encourage car owners to seek improved consumption figures from their vehicles.
§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Energy what would be the estimated financial and balance of payments savings of reducing automobile petrol consumption by 10 per cent. a year.
§ Dr. John A. Cunningham:At today's prices and on the basis of consumption levels in 1976, a 10 per cent. reduction in the consumption of motor spirit, other things remaining equal, would reduce total United Kingdom expenditure on motor spirit by around £400 million and Government receipts of duty and VAT by around £200 million. The net saving on the balance of payments would amount to about £150 million.