HC Deb 14 June 1999 vol 333 c44W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether in petrol was authorised in the United Kingdom. [85869]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used in petrol in the United Kingdom as an octane enhancer at very low levels for many years. Directive 85/536/EEC, which came into effect in domestic legislation on 24 April 1989, stipulates that member states may not prevent, restrict or discourage the production, marketing and free movement of blended petrol which contains 10 per cent. or less MTBE by volume. Directive 98/70/EC sets a maximum limit of 15 per cent. MTBE by volume applicable from 1 January 2000. Not all petrol sold in the UK contains MTBE; where it is used the concentration typically averages less than 1 per cent.