HC Deb 08 December 1987 vol 124 c140W
Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has on medical research and judgment in West Germany with regard to the effects on health of catalytic converters for motor vehicles.

Mrs. Currie

[holding answer 4 December 1987]: I am advised that the West German report has been examined and there is nothing to support the hypothesis that the use of catalytic converters leads to harmful health effects.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has on the effects on health of(a) platinum or (b) other substances produced as a result of catalytic converters in motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

[holding answer 4 December 1987]: I am advised that no appreciable amount of platinum would be released into the air from catalytic converters. Neither platinum nor any other substances in the quantities likely to be released from this source pose any risk to health.