§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Minister of Transport what action he is taking to reduce the amount of lead pollution in the atmosphere from congested roads used by vehicles which use lead additives for fuels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeCurrent policy is to control lead pollution from vehicles by limiting the lead content of petrol. The limit at present is 0.45 grammes per litre and the intention is to reduce it 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 by a working party under Professor Lawther. Account will also be taken of the results of surveys of blood lead levels in accordance with EEC requirements and of the report of a joint study with industry of the options for further limiting lead emissions from vehicles entitled "Lead in Petrol: An assessment of the feasibility and costs of further action to limit lead emissions from vehicles", published by the Department of Transport in July this year.