§ Dr. Michael ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the potential impact of benzene emissions in relation to forecast sales of lead replacement gasoline; and what assessment he has made of the advantages of banning the sale of super-unleaded fuel on the basis of its aromatic content. [24787]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe proportion of unleaded petrol used in the UK will increase as the proportion of cars equipped with catalytic converters grows. This increase will in turn lead to substantial reductions in benzene emissions over present levels.
The last budget increased the fuel duty on petrol and diesel by 3½p per litre. Duty on road fuel gases was reduced by 15 per cent. in recognition that they are relatively cleaner fuels. The duty on super-unleaded petrol will increase by a further 4p per litre in May in recognition that its use, in cars without catalysts, can lead to higher emissions of benzene than other petrols.