HC Deb 22 March 1989 vol 149 cc631-2W
33. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the use of unleaded petrol in the European Community.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Government are committed to promoting unleaded petrol in the European Community and have played a major role in securing the agreement to directives which cover the requirement for new cars to run on the fuel and its availability in Europe.

107. Mr. Franks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the increase in demand for unleaded petrol since January 1987.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

In the month to mid-February, unleaded petrol accounted for 5.5 per cent. of the market. Demand has increased more than fiftyfold since figures were first made available in April 1987 when uptake stood at less than 0.1 per cent.

111. Mr. Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals the Government have for encouraging wider use of unleaded petrol.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget raised the duty differential between 4-star leaded and unleaded fuel by an additional 4p a gallon. This should result in a price difference of about 10p per gallon at the pump. It is the second largest differential in the European Community. I am confident that it will ensure a continued rapid increase in take-up of unleaded fuel. The average motorist travelling 10,000 miles in a year stands to save about £35. The Chancellor has also increased the duty on 2-star leaded petrol which will encourage the switching of storage facilities to unleaded petrol, and ensure that the number of outlets continues to rise rapidly. The Government will continue to take steps to promote the widest possible use of unleaded petrol.