§ Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he plans to give to the public on the use of leaded and unleaded petrol; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. AtkinsGovernment advice to motorist remains firm
Those whose cars can run on unleaded petrol and who are not using it should start doing so.Those already using unleaded petrol should not switch back to using leaded petrol.The Government do not accept criticism of Government policy on unleaded petrol contained in the Transport Select Committee report on transport-related air pollution in London.
These is no credible evidence of any significant differences in emissions of benzene between non-catalyst cars running on leaded and premium unleaded petrol.
There is no evidence that use of super-unleaded petrol contributes significantly to total ambient concentrations of benzene. Super-unleaded petrol comprises only 5 per cent. to 6 per cent. of the market, and that share is declining. We are, however, keeping its use under review.
Benzene levels in the United Kingdom are below the five part per billion level recommended to Government by the expert panel for air quality standards, and are likely to fall as more catalyst-equipped cars enter the national fleet.
Health advice is that there are much stronger grounds for concern regarding small increases in blood-lead concentrations than regarding small changes in ambient concentrations of benzene. It is hoped that publicity given to the Transport Committee report will not lead to increased emissions of lead from road transport.