§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the fitting of catalytic converters to new and existing cars.
§ Mr. AtkinsNew cars could cost 5 per cent. to 10 per cent. more though this will depend on manufacturers' design solutions. For the vast majority of existing cars on the road, fitting a catalyst is not a practicable proposition. Their fuelling systems would not be sufficiently accurate and there would be problems in finding space for the catalyst under the bonnet or floor.
Work to estimate the value of the environmental benefits from catalysts forms part of the Department of the Environment's 1990–91 research programme.