LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS

Early day motion 267, tabled 3 February 1999 by Helen Clark (Labour). Signed by 72 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to improve national air quality; notes that PM10 particulate matter is estimated to advance 8,100 deaths annually in the UK; further notes that sulphur dioxide is estimated to advance 3,500 deaths annually in the UK and that it is impossible to demonstrate a safe dose of the carcinogen benzene; recognises that liquified petroleum gas is an alternative road fuel that can greatly reduce such emissions; calls upon the Government to consider establishing a five year policy framework to encourage road fuel gases; notes that other countries such as Italy, with 1.1 million LPG vehicles, the USA, with 350,000 and Australia with 330,000 have far more significant markets than in the UK, with less than 8,000; suggests that the UK has yet to develop advantages perceptible to fleet operators to convert in substantial numbers; and proposes that the Government considers promoting road fuel gases by measures such as widening the fuel duty differential with more polluting fuels, and giving time-limited capital write-downs for fleet operators who convert their vehicles.

Signatures by party: Labour 50, Conservative 10, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 3.