§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Transport on what date in 1981 the new maximum permitted level of lead in petrol will come into force; and if steps have been taken to see that stocks of petrol with the current permitted lead level will be used before that date.
§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke1 January 1981. We have kept in close touch with the petroleum industry and understand that it began to reduce the addition of lead to the new level of 0.40 grammes per litre from the beginning of last month. I have no reason to believe that there will be any stocks of petrol left with the old lead level when their sale and use becomes illegal. Checks on lead content will, as now, be made by local weights and measures authorities.