§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the average fuel consumption for automobiles in the United Kingdom in 1973, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1985 and 1988; what are the fuel consumption projects for 1990, 1995 and the year 2000; whether he has any proposals to set fuel consumption targets for automobile and other vehicles; and whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy for energy efficiency in the transport sector.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe information is as follows:
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Registered average fuel consumption of new cars sold Miles per gallon 1979 31.38 1982 34.66 1985 37.53 11987 38.1 1 The latest year available. Data for earlier years is not available. Nor are detailed projections.
The Department considers that technology advances will make possible a further 50 per cent. improvement in cars generally by 2010. There are no proposals to set fuel consumption targets.
The Government believe that energy efficiency in the transport sector is best promoted by allowing the free operation of market forces. We aim to remove obstacles which might prevent this from happening.
The Department of Transport and the Department of Energy promote the benefits of cost-effective energy management in the area of commercial transport, including guidance to consumers.