Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport (1) what action he proposes 570W to take to reduce the level of lead pollution in the environment surrounding motorways;
(2) whether he proposes to take action to reduce the level of lead in petrol.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe legal limit on the lead content of petrol will be reduced from 0–45 to 0–40 grammes per litre from January 1981. We are considering urgently what further action is needed in the light of the review of the health effect of lead carried out for my right hon. 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 further action and also of the problem of local pollution "hot-spots" surrounding certain roads.