§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the trends in the relative use of(a) benzene and other aromatics and (b) lead additives in petrol; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what estimate there is of the increase in the use of benzene and other aromatics as the level of lead additives in petrol has been reduced; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what research has been conducted into the possible effects upon the environment of the increase in use of benzene in motor fuel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyDifferences in the aromatic and benzene content of petrol are the result of the refinery processes used to make the components of the fuel. Benzene in petrol is controlled at 5 per cent. maximum by EC directive and available data indicate that the present content for United Kingdom fuels averages some 2 per cent., a reduction on previous findings. There is no significant upward or downward trend in the aromatic content of United616W Kingdom petrols, though the overall percentage of aromatics in unleaded fuel is slightly higher than in leaded. Lead added to petrol is restricted by EC directive to 0.15 per cent. grams/litre maximum. Average content varies between 0.12 and 0.14 per cent. grams/litre.
Benzene in exhaust gases is, however, principally a product of the combustion process rather than the fuel itself. Of the trace quantities created in the combustion process over three quarters are removed by catalytic convertors. All pollution from motor vehicles, including benzene, is falling as a result of tighter controls on emissions.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefits of super-unleaded fuel over unleaded fuel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyHigh octane super unleaded petrol gives motorists whose cars were not originally designed to run on unleaded fuel the opportunity of choosing a fuel which will bring environmental benefits through a reduction of lead in the atmosphere. Current usage averages some 6 per cent. of total petrol sales and is expected to decline as cars built prior to 1991 are phased out. After this date all cars have been designed to use premium unleaded petrol.