HC Deb 18 February 1991 vol 186 cc44-5W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which of those organisations that responded to the consultation document of 20 September 1990 were in favour of tighter MOT emission standards than those outlined;

(2) further to his reply of 22 January, Official Report, column 111, if he will discuss with the European Commission the future introduction of MOT motor vehicle emission standards based on individual manufacturers' specifications.

Mr. Chope

A number of those consulted suggested tighter emission standards than those proposed or limits based on manufacturers' settings. The EC type approval directive on emissions precludes the setting of standards which are stricter than those to which vehicles were required to conform when new. But, as many vehicles are capable of achieving emission levels well within the limits which will be set in the regulations, we have made it clear that motorists should aim to have their vehicles tuned to manufacturers' settings wherever possible.

The standards we have proposed are intended to be a first step in in-service emissions checking, and standards will be progressively tightened in the future. The European Commission has already initiated discussions with member states on harmonised standards for emission testing. If resulting European legislation permits us to test to manufacturers' settings we shall consider the matter further.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) further to his reply of 22 January,Official Report, column 111, when he now plans to sign enabling regulations relating to MOT motor vehicle emission standards; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what assessment he has made of MOT vehicle test emission standards; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Franks) on 13 February, at column464.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will incorporate manufacturing design standards into a servicing schedule for cars;

(2) if he will introduce an effective system for checking pollution from vehicles on the road, including those under three years of age.

Mr. Chope

Proper engine tuning is important for all vehicles, including those less than three years old. All motorists are well advised to ensure that their engine tuning is checked when they have their vehicles serviced. We are encouraging vehicle manufacturers to consider including engine tuning in routine service schedules.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what roles he has assigned to(a) local authorities, (b) the vehicle inspectorate and (c) the police in on-the-road checks for pollution control; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

The new in-service emission standards will be enforced primarily at MOT tests under the supervision of the vehicle inspectorate. In due course I envisage an increasing role for both the vehicle inspectorate and the police in roadside spot checks on emissions.

Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to ensure that dedicated equipment for carbon monoxide testing is used in MOT testing; and if he will introduce a British standard for such equipment.

Mr. Chope

We are making arrangements to ensure that all types of emission-checking equipment which will be used in MOT testing have been certified to appropriate standards. As there is currently no British standard for such equipment, we are requiring that equipment should be designed and certified to the established international standard or an equivalent. I hope that the United Kingdom will play an active role in any further development of current equipment standards. Emission-checking equipment will not have to be dedicated to MOT testing, but we shall expect MOT test stations to have approved equipment available in MOT test bays whenever tests are being conducted.