HL Deb 20 June 1979 vol 400 cc1100-1WA
Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend eventually to ban the use of lead in petrol in view of its demonstrably harmful effects, especially to children, and if so what is their timetable for achieving that goal.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Lord Bellwin)

The current intention is to reduce the limit on the lead content of petrol to 0.40 grammes per litre from January 1981. The Government will consider whether any further action is needed when they have received the results of a review of the health effects of lead now being carried out for my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Social Services by a working party under Professor Lawther. Account will also be taken of the results of a joint study with industry of the feasibility and costs of possible further action to limit lead emissions from vehicles.