§ 50. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he now has for further reducing the amount of lead permitted in petrol; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Horam:In accordance with an EEC directive agreed earlier this year, we propose to reduce the statutory limit on lead in petrol to 0.40 grammes per litre with effect from 1st January 1981. Consultations are now taking place on draft regulations. We are also having studies put in hand to estimate the costs of possible longer-term options for further reducing emissions of lead from petrol in case a need for such action should be substantiated by the further study and research which the Government are undertaking on the health effects of lead, particularly in young children.