§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what reports he has received about the United States Government's proposals to ban the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether as a petrol additive within three years; and if he will make a statement; [123446]
(2) what recent discussions his Department has held with counterparts in the United States on methyl tertiary butyl ether; and if he will make a statement. [123447]
§ Mr. HillNo reports have been received from the United States Government. However, officials are in regular contact with their US counterparts and discuss issues such as MTBE. We are aware of the issues surrounding its use in the United States.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the EU's policy is on the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether. [123441]
§ Mr. HillThere is no overall EU policy on MTBE use other than to restrict quantities of oxygenates that may be added to petrol. In particular EU directive 98/70/EU sets a limit of 15 per cent. on ethers containing five or more carbon atoms per molecule—which includes MTBE. Finland are carrying out a full life cycle risk assessment of MTBE under the European Communities Existing Substances Regulation (793/93/EEC) in order to decide whether any further measures are necessary to protect human health and/or the environment. The draft risk assessment is due to be discussed in depth for the first time by the EU technical experts in June this year.