§ Mr. FranksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will introduce an emissions check in the MOT testing scheme for cars.
§ Mr. ChopeThe regulations implementing a carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions check will be made at the earliest opportunity, subject to notification to the EC. I hope that checking will start on 1 November 1991.
If vehicles are to pass the MOT test, they will need to be properly tuned so that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions are kept as low as possible. The standards we will be setting for carbon monoxide levels are realistic, but they will be only minimum standards and motorists should aim to have their vehicles tuned to manufacturers' specifications wherever possible. The hydrocarbon emissions check will enable MOT testers to be sure the engine is running normally before they carry out the carbon monoxide check.
This will be a first step in in-service emissions checking. It is our intention that the standards in the test should reflect future improvements in engine technology and developing international standards.