§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals are planned and what measures have recently been implemented regarding the use of historic and classic cars and motor bikes. [47692]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonNo measures specifically relating to the use of historic and classic cars and motor cycles are planned or have been recently introduced. However, the recent Budget announced the freezing of the vehicle excise duty (VED) exemption for all vehicles over 25 years old, and the introduction of a fixed date VED exemption for vehicles constructed before 1 January 1973. This measure clearly affects certain classic and historic cars and motor cycles, as will the implementation of the EU proposal to ban leaded petrol. A lead replacement petrol will however be available for use by vehicles which currently use leaded petrol. This has been widely used in EU and other countries where leaded petrol has already been withdrawn.