§ Dr. WoodcockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect on emissions of(a) carbon dioxide and (b) carcinogens of the increased use of unleaded petrol.
§ Mr. TrippierIncreased use of unleaded petrol will result in a modest increase in carbon dioxide emissions from refineries. Any effect on carcinogenic emissions is likely to be very small, but a detailed assessment of hydrocarbon emissions from cars using leaded and unleaded fuel is in progress and results are expected in the autumn. Catalytic converters will be mandatory on all new petrol-engine cars from the end of this year and will secure dramatic reductions in all harmful emissions, including carcinogens. Cars equipped with catalysts can run only on unleaded petrol.