Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 July 1997. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 July 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: If he will comment on the progress made by United Kingdom motor manufacturers in the development of clean engine technology.

Answer: Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made by United Kingdom motor manufacturers in the development of clean engine technology. [9317] Ms Glenda Jackson: Although development of clean engine and after-treatment technologies is undertaken on an increasingly globalised basis, work done in this area in the UK continues to place its manufacturers amongst world leaders. The speed of development has been largely determined by the increasingly stringent emission standards which have been set in recent years. Emission standards recently agreed at the EU Environment Council for passenger cars, for 2000 and 2005, together with proposals in the pipeline for other vehicles, will provide a further stimulus to technological development in this area. Meanwhile, the Government's decision to provide fiscal incentives for heavy vehicles meeting more stringent emission standards should also stimulate development of new technologies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9317; 298 c499W;298 c497W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Air pollution Engines Industry EU action Motor vehicles Pollution control Technology Science